The 2018 Mallorca Fives was our 10th tournament on the sunshine island of Mallorca. We kicked off on the 19th May on another glorious day on this stunning destination –. The sun was shining, the 12 teams were ready (some more than others with hangovers fresh)…the big kick-off was upon us.

The first phase of the tournament would be decided on a group basis with two groups of 6 teams in each group. The teams finishing 1st and 2nd in each group would progress to the Cup competition. The teams finishing 3rd and 4th in each group will progress to the Plate competition Both the Cup and Plate would be played as a knock-out with Semi-Finals and Final.

The first two challengers to get us underway in Group A on Pitch A this year were Jackson's Five and Urban Sport as England met Spain. With the other opening game on Pitch B still goal-less, it was Will Sambrook who would have the honour of scoring the first goal of the tournament. Urban Sport were level though when Xazio Hamadra equalised. The goal was controversial as it stemmed from a foul throw that was not seen/given by the referee.

The teams entered half-time level at 1-1 and with no further goals would finish 1-1 at full-time. It was a solid opening point for both teams.

The final two teams in Group A were Bluewater Training of Spain and Ben of England.

Bluewater Training are the same team who played as Blue Water CF at our 2017 Mallorca Veterans Tournament. They had a mixed day with results – started solidly enough with a 0-0 draw versus Dickie Dogs and 3-0 win over Poppy's NFI but then 3 successive defeats (1-0, 3-2, 4-1) scuppered their qualification chances. That 4-1 defeat was against the eventual champions. That result aside they were competitive throughout though.

Ben were competing as one of two teams in the tournament for Ben Renshaw's stag weekend. The first game up is never easy for travelling teams who have indulged in the nightlife of Magaluf on the Friday night but it was first blood to Ben. Their “overseas player” from France, Clement Verven was the man to strike first in this game.

Verven's first half strike would prove to be the only goal of the game and would Ben all three points. It was another narrow loss for Bluewater Training. Close but no cigar.