British Gas lift United in Business World Cup
Yesterday saw the inaugural United in Business six-a-side World Cup held at Oxford Brookes University in Headington.
24 businesses took part in a well contested tournament that ended with British Gas- playing as Bosnia - crowned champions.
The group stages saw every team picking up points with former United players Joey Beauchamp and Peter Rhoades-Brown starring for the United Legends side in a very tough Group D where Peninsula, Henmans Freeth, Chiltern Railways and Critchleys all contested. Over in Group B, Director Adrian Lenagan’s Innoved side were eliminated as Waitrose, playing as Brazil overcame strong opposition to top the group. The highlight of the group was a bouncing effort from Motors.co.uk which saw their keeper score past a combined team from SEGA and Sports Interactive.
In Group A it was Ignite Sport UK, with Oxford City manager Justin Meritt joined by a youthful side including former United winger James Dobson, who went through to the semi-final despite fine performances by the Army’s 7th Rifles and an M Group side featuring United legend Steve Basham.
Group C was won by Miele, representing Belgium who battled hard in the semi-final before losing to Ignite. In the other semi-final British Gas proved just too strong for Waitrose, with captain Anaclet Odhiambo and former United youngster George Morris showing their class.
After two hours in glorious sunshine the final was a fitting end to the day with some excellent football that saw British Gas finally taking home the United in Business champions title with Player of the Tournament Anaclet Odhiambo lifting the trophy.
The players then returned to the Kassam Stadium to watch the England v Uruguay game. Peter Rhoades-Brown told us:
“Everyone really enjoyed it. The games were all very close and it was great to see so many local businesses and familiar faces joining us. It was a proper World Cup with each company representing a country, and I’d like to thank everyone who took part. Rob Lees did a great job with the organisation, the referees and helpers all played their part and most of all I’d like to thank everyone who played.
“There was some decent football, played in the right spirit, and we will definitely look to run another event like this next year.”