The 2012 Algarve Open Plate Final was to be contested by Dark Horses and Contejus Hurricanes. Dark Horses had pedigree and experience having won the 2010 Amsterdam Fives Plate Final and, having missed out on the Cup, were our tip to win the Plate (no offence to the other teams in the Plate draw). The Dark Horses were looking to become only the fourth team to win two or more Plate titles. The current roll call reads;

4 - CSF: Krakow Trophy (2008), Algarve Open (2009), Amsterdam Fives (2009), Valencia Fives (2009)

2 – Rigford Seahawks: Prague Trophy (2009), Amsterdam Fives (2011)

2 – Eagles Old Boys/UnAthletic: Krakow Trophy (2010), Algarve Open (2011)

1 - Various

Their opponents Contejus Hurricanes were on debut and probably came into the game with the stronger form of the two teams having won 4 in a row. They had momentum and that is a very strong force in these tournaments.

If you wanted to see goals in this tournament the games involving Dark Horses were a good place to start. In the first half in the Final we had another 4 goals to enjoy with Contejus Hurricanes claiming the lions' share thanks to Tom Lock, Chris Agathangelou and Martin Weltman who can now boast a goal in a European final on their footballing CV.

They had a strong grip on the goal but Richard Walker's 7th of the day kept Dark Horses in contention. In the second-half Dark Horses did all they good to get back in the game but the Hurricanes were strong and maintained their two goal advantage for long periods. They were unable to prevent Dark Horses pulling a goal back to 3-2 when Aled Bryon struck for 3-2. It was to be the last kick of the game and it would have been interesting to see what would have happened if the goal had come a little earlier. Contejus Hurricanes would not care about that though as they were celebrating glory.

Our congratulations go to the Contejus Hurricanes on a fine performance. They put a poor start behind them to win five successive games when it really mattered to seal glory. I don't think anyone could begrudge them their success. Our condolences go to Dark Horses who were once again a great asset to a eurofootballfives.com tournament and they would collect the runners-up medals.

.