Monday, 8 February 2010 11:55 PM
In clinical fashion, IBM took all before it as it clinched the second SMFC Corporate Challenge Cup at Bob Jane Stadium over the weekend.
On a glorious sun drenched day, the combatants took to the field to see who would be crowned Champions at Lakeside. Twelve teams entered the Corporate Challenge, with the teams allocated into three groups of four. Group 1 was comprised of reigning champions Coffex Coffee, Dallas 7, IBM, and AVC. Group 2 was headed up by Pitcher Partners, GPZ Legal, Melbourne Mail Management, and Lucky 7. The third group contained K & A Accountants, Commonwealth Bank, miRoamer, and Karponi Web Design / Web Panache.
The Corporate Challenge was a five a side tournament, with the first placed team in each group, plus the best second placed team across the three groups would progress to the semi-final round. After the preliminary matches were completed, and many sore legs and a number of players just glad to get through the three match preliminary stage, the first-placed teams from each respective group were IBM, Melbourne Mail Management, and the Commonwealth Bank. The second best placed team across the groups was K & A Accountants from Group 3. The semi-final pairings were Melbourne Mail Management vs. Commonwealth Bank, and IBM vs. K & A Accountants. After playing some great football in the preliminary stages, Commonwealth Bank was bundled out by Melbourne Mail Management 6-1, while IBM and K & A Accountants battled it out in a classic. In an entertaining and high scoring affair, IBM proved to be too strong just pipping K & A 11-10 in the end.
The day began with twelve teams, and it was down to the last two teams. IBM started strongly in the preliminary stages playing some terrific text book football. In an entertaining affair, the match was even early on, but the class and skill of IBM shown through. Like a well-oiled machine, IBM meticulously took Melbourne Mail Management apart, winning the final and clinching its maiden SMFC Corporate Challenge Cup.
A jubilant IBM captain Tom Kalas speaking to smfc.com.au said “it was a team effort and all the boys played well. Bad luck to the Melbourne Mail Management, but our training and planning paid dividends. Well done to all the teams for a great day of football. We are looking to go back-to-back champions”.
South Melbourne FC would like to congratulate all the participants of the 2010 SMFC Corporate Challenge Cup for making it a fun, enjoyable and successful day.