The 2015 Veterans Tournament Plate Final would be contested by The Warriors and Norton Old Boys. This was only our second Veterans Plate competition so who could follow in the foot-steps of €agles 3:36 in Mallorca last year to take the cherished trophy.

The Warriors were on debut and, naturally, appearing in their first final although goalkeeper Matt Elsey had already played in the open age Cup Final in the Algarve Open for RC Lens. He was a Runner-Up then, could he be on the winning side this time? Norton Old Boys were appearing in their second Plate Final after the 2012 Mallorca Tournament – they were successful then, could they emulate their achievement from 3 years ago?

On today's form there was very little to differentiate the two teams. Both teams had won 6 points in their group – 2 wins for The Warriors, 1 win and 3 draws for Norton Old Boys. A goal difference of +1 for Norton Old Boys and -2 for The Warriors. Both followed this with close Semi-Final wins.

With the game underway we were treated to an entertaining first half if a little bit lacking in goals. It was maybe no surprise we were level – Norton Old Boys had drawn 4 of their 6 games and all The Warriors 3 victories had come after stalemate at the break. When the goal came in the second half it was Richard Hassan who scored it. Having scored the winning penalty in the Semi-Final he now had potentially winning goal in the Plate Final.

Could The Warriors summon up that one last burst of energy to push for victory or at least a draw to take us to penalties? The Norton Old Boys defence held firm and at the final whistle it was they who could raise their arms aloft in celebration.

For The Warriors it was disappointment to fall just short but it had been a great performance from them today and in particular goalkeeper Matt Elsey who had played in 15 games! For now they had to be content with Runners-Up medals but maybe it will be winners medals and trophies waiting for them next time.

We leave the Plate competition for today though by celebrating our winners – huge congratulations to Norton Old Boys!