Fifth annual six-a-side tournament see Wiseton Rhinos come out on top

A DRY but overcast day was in store for the players and supporters who were taking part in the fifth annual Wiseton six-a-side Tournament at Wiseton Hall on Sunday.

The tournament was slightly smaller than in previous years with only six teams taking part.

But it was still attended by around 100 players and supporters who had travelled to enjoy the day.

The six teams who entered the tournament were from the local villages and clubs including teams from Wiseton, Morton, Gringley, Marshalls and a group of New Zealanders.

The group stages of the tournament saw Wiseton Rhinos, Marshalls Wizards, Morton and the New Zealand Knights all progressing through to the semi-finals following some close opening encounters in both groups.

The two third-placed teams from each group, Gringley Dragons and last year's tournament winners the Wiseton Monkeys, were left to contest the Wiseton Shield.

The Wiseton Knights defeated the Rhinos and the Marshalls Wizards edged past local rivals Morton to set up an exciting final for the tournament.

Despite a good effort from Gringley, including some good batting and bowling from Shane Tomkin, John Bailey and Paul Newsome, it was not enough to claim the Wiseton Shield as the Monkeys powered to a 20-run victory thanks to a good all-round display from Matt Loates.

A closely-fought final saw the Wiseton Knights defeat the Marshalls Wizards with both sets of players showing their talent with some excellent performances.

The Knights were a team predominantly made up of local overseas players and they were captained by Wiseton's Taylor Pentecost, who was on hand to collect the trophy from club president John Langley.

James Edgeley was chosen as the player of the tournament for his excellent all-round efforts with bat and ball for the Rhinos.

A presentation was also made to the two umpires, Ian Mather and Henry Gourley.

Hayden Kay was the winner of the Junior "Bowl for a Pig" competition and he was presented with a pig.

The club would like to thank the following people who helped to make the day a success, Ian White, Simon Ward, Adam Kay, George Platts, Graham Bell, Sam Mason and Laura Barker, all of whom worked hard for the cause throughout the day.