WALKING football players from Ross-on-Wye and Leominster came together to form a formidable ‘Team Herefordshire’ for the Olhao International over 50s 7-a-side tournament held in the Algarve.

The squad of Leominster and Athletico Ross-on-Wye players, who are usually seen competing against each other in the HFA Walking Football League, had never played together or experienced playing tournaments abroad.

A 3-0 reverse against a much younger Silver Coast Lisbon side in the opening game, suggested a difficult time ahead but the team rallied to emphatically beat Walker Bros (Central Portugal) 3-0 with a brace from Alan Essex and Dave Fish with the other.

The third game produced a 2-0 win against Algarve side, Sao Bras, with Simon Winfield of Leominster weighing in with both goals.

The final game of day one against Tavira ended in an unlucky 1-0 defeat.

A second day 1-1 draw against host side Olhao meant that the team entered the three-match plate competition for sides coming third or fourth in their league.

They started with a 0-0 draw against Ipswich, which was followed by a 2-0 victory against Olhao with Leominster’s John O’Connell and Simon Winfield scoring.

The final tournament game a 2-2 draw with Browns of Vilamoura (goals from Leominster’s Simon Winfield and Nick Hill) ensured the team topped the middle tier competition to bring home the Plate and rank a respectable fifth in the overall standings. The success is encouraging for Herefordshire FA’s plans to continue running a representative Walking Football team for competitions both home and abroad.

Walking football is continuing to grow in Herefordshire and there are now clubs spread across the county.

If you are interested in participating or would like to start your own club please contact Scott.Russell@HerefordshireFA.com or ring 01432 342179.