On Saturday 17th May 2003, as I made my way towards the Police Club at Chigwell the heavens opened, the sky turned black and I was expecting it to rain all day.

Against all the odds it cleared just as the very first match was about to start and the sun even shone down on us for most of the day.

I am very pleased to be able to report that this was the biggest entry ever, with 192 scouts attending from all over the County. It was a good job that we booked two extra pitches taking the total available up to 6. 1 was seconded by the Explorer Scout Section and run as a separate event. The Police club really did us proud, all of the pitches were marked out and had proper goals (not traffic cones!)

The first round was run as a league, with each team playing a minimum of four matches, and some playing five. Eventually after some three hours of thrilling football enjoyed by Scouts, Leaders and Parents alike, 10 teams went through to the playoffs and then on to the quarter finals. The final was a thrilling affair, the scores at the end of normal time were 1-1. No team scored during the 'Golden Goal' period and the affair was finally settled on penalties with the 8th Hornchurch eventually winning the competition. Even the fact that the heavens (which had held off all day until that point) opened up and those that were left faced horizontal rain could not spoil what had been a great days scouting.

The Trophy and medals were presented by County Commissioner, Dean Milton. All of the participants were thanked for the spirit of scouting which prevailed throughout, an example of which was that at the end of every match all of the Scout participants shook hands and, in my opinion were all a credit to the County. I was proud of them all.

A special vote of thanks must go to Charles Paddon and Russell Vaughan for running the much needed BBQ for everyone, Andy Mann and Martin Scott for doing the admin and working out the running order, and finally to those brave souls who volunteered to be referees (!), without whom the whole event could not have taken place. We salute you all.

Mick Greenwood | Assistant County Commissioner (Scouts)