Maureen Evans International Cup 2025
England Walking Football
Maureen Evans International Cup - Neath
Sunday 24th August 2025
England Walking Football were delighted to be invited to this very special tournament, entering teams in the men's 50s, 60s, 65s and 70s. Congratulations to all our EWF players who were selected and for their superb performances on the day.
Over 70s crowned Champions!
With the satisfaction of knowing they were able to select a high quality squad for the trip to Neath, O70s manager Simon Atherfold and assistant Albert Swinson were confident of success in South Wales.
The opening game against Wales was an even affair and not much to choose between the two sides. If anything, Wales started stronger and it took almost the whole game for England to find their rhythm, making a 1-1 draw a fair if not disappointing result with Stewart White scoring our goal, and a scrappy own goal giving Wales their point.
Game 2 against Ireland saw the team playing their trademark passing game and goals from Ivor Hughes and Tony Naylor sealed a convincing win.
Game 3 against Wales again saw us hit the post twice and a beautiful shot from Graham Walton on his debut rattled the crossbar. At the other end of the pitch goalkeeper Dave Poole was treating the crowd to a wonderful display of his art, including a fine penalty save.
The final game against Ireland again saw us dominate with plenty of shots on goal but just a Tony Drinkell effort to show for it, giving us a 1 nil victory with both Danny Rix and Steve Moss having outstanding games. A great overall win for the old fellas as the squad starts to take shape for next year's full programme of internationals, culminating in next summers Masters Walking World Cup.
Over 65s report
For the second tournament running a slow start cost England 65s dearly. Two goals conceded in the first 5 minutes of their opening match against Ireland left the team facing an uphill battle for the rest of the day. England did manage to pull one back late on - a coolly taken penalty by Dave Marriott after Graham Liddiard had been denied a goal scoring opportunity - but it was not enough to avoid defeat (1-2).
In their second game England dominated against Wales but were frustrated by the Welsh goalkeeper and the frame of the goal and had to settle for a 0-0 draw.
In the return fixture against Ireland Dave Marriott got England off to the perfect start with a goal inside 5 minutes. Ireland then dominated the rest of the game and were only denied by a number of great saves from Ken Hitchell, including a penalty save, and a dogged defensive display from England with Tom Rafferty making crucial last ditch tackles on his debut. The 1-0 victory gave England the chance to still win the tournament if they could beat Wales in their final match.
Unfortunately England’s return fixture against Wales was an almost carbon copy of the first encounter. The woodwork, the Welsh keeper and the denial of a clear penalty shout meant that a frustrated England had to settle for another goalless draw and second place in the tournament.
Once again Ken Hitchell and Rob Wellby deserve special mention for great performances to give England 65s three clean sheets in their last three matches. Thank you to Tim Tyler who stood in for the second time as manager and congratulations to our Welsh hosts in Neath who were very welcoming and ran an excellent tournament.
Over 60's report
The England Over-60s Walking Football team put in a strong performance, ultimately finishing as runners-up after a series of competitive games.
The opening fixture saw England face a well-organised Caribbean side. Both teams cancelled each other out in a tight encounter, with few clear chances created, and the match ended in a hard-fought 0–0 draw.
Next up was Ireland, who proved to be clinical in front of goal. Despite England’s best efforts, they slipped to a 0–2 defeat, leaving them with work to do in their final game.
The team responded superbly against hosts Wales.
Showing resilience and determination, England secured a 1–0 victory, thanks to a decisive strike from Glenn Page, who calmly finished to ensure the win.
With one win, one draw, and one defeat, England claimed second place overall – a solid achievement in a high-quality tournament.
Over 50's report
The tournament opened with a frantic, end-to-end encounter against Ireland. Both goalkeepers were kept busy, and the four running penalties added extra drama. Carl Clinton was outstanding between the posts, saving twice to keep England level, while Ireland’s keeper denied one at the other end. Neither side could break the deadlock resulting in a goalless draw.
In the second game, England went behind to a well-constructed Welsh goal but responded with composure. Retaining possession and moving the ball with purpose, the team began to dominate. A vital save from Tee Newton set up a swift counter, finished clinically by Rick Hopgood to level the game. Moments later Hopgood struck again, before Richard Jackson calmly converted from the spot to seal a deserved 3-1 win.
The third game was one of the most entertaining games of the day, with both sides creating clear chances. England were frustrated by the outstanding Caribbean goalkeeper, who produced several breath-taking saves, including three top-class stops from Ed Taylor and Rick Hopgood. With goalkeepers on top, the match ended scoreless.
England reached the final against Ireland, it was played in searing heat and proved to be a full-blooded contest. Manager Pete Hurrell rotated the squad effectively, with Razor Windard excelling once again, Pete Johnson impressing on debut, and Dave Bendall making a welcome return. Despite England’s pressure, the match went to penalties, where a missed effort proved decisive, handing the cup to Ireland.
England produced a strong all-round performance across the tournament, showing resilience, quality, and great team spirit. Narrowly edged out in the final, it was still a proud afternoon of football, superbly hosted by our Welsh friends in Neath.
England will be back.
