We were at the 2026 Mallorca Veterans Fives Cup Semi-Final stage and from the teams who signed we were down to the final 4 – already an achievement for those who were still in the hunt for glory. We still had 3 nations competing with Spain, England (x2) and Ecuador all up for the Cup. We were guaranteed an English team in the Cup Final as the two remaining English teams met face-to-face.

Skidmarks continued their unbeaten run and booked their place in the Cup final after a tense and finely balanced semi-final against Very Old Salesians A, edging through 2–1 on penalties following a 1–1 draw in normal time. Coming into the match with a perfect record from Group A, Skidmarks were expected to carry momentum, but they were given one of their toughest tests of the tournament by a well-organised and determined Old Salesians side.

The first half reflected the even nature of the contest, with both teams trading spells of pressure and neither able to establish clear dominance. The teams traded blows in the opening period with Richard Keeley continuing his scoring streak for Skidmarks taking his tally to 5 for the day. For Very Old Salesians A it was Steve Gale – also scoring his fifth goal of the competition. The teams were locked together at 1–1 by halftime.

The second half proved just as tightly contested, with both sides showing defensive discipline and attacking intent but unable to find the winning strike that would put them into the final. A penalty shoot-out was required to decide this fixture.

In the shootout, Skidmarks held their nerve to secure a 2–1 victory with Paul Mulvey proving to be the hero saving two out of the three penalties he faced. From the spot it was Ashley Britten who struck to put Skidmarks through in what was a high pressure conclusion to this tie. Skidmarks kept their unbeaten record but they were pushed all the way by Very Old Salesians A who were left to reflect on a strong performance that ultimately fell just short.

On Pitch D, it was Spain versus Ecuador 100% Vets to battle it out for the second Cup Final berth. Los Domingueros secured their place in the Cup final with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over defending champions Ecuador 100% Vets in a closely contested semi-final that lived up to expectations between two of the tournament's strongest sides. Coming into the match as unbeaten Group B winners, Los Domingueros faced a stern test against the reigning champions, and the game quickly developed into a tight and tactical battle.

The first half mirrored the intensity of the contest, with little separating the two teams in open play. Los Domingueros struck first through Luis Jaramillo, giving the Spanish side a crucial advantage, but Ecuador 100% Vets responded in typical fashion. Brian Molina, continuing his excellent scoring form with his fourth goal of the day, brought the match level at 1–1 before halftime, ensuring everything remained finely balanced.

Unlike the first semi-final, this encounter produced a decisive moment in the second half as both sides pushed for a place in the final. Defences were tested repeatedly, but it was Los Domingueros who found the breakthrough, with Tiago Maidana stepping up to restore their lead at 2–1 in a key turning point of the match. That goal ultimately proved enough to send Los Domingueros through to the Cup final, as they managed the closing stages effectively to deny the defending champions a route back into the contest. It was a significant victory for the Group B winners, ending Ecuador 100% Vets' title defence and setting up a final between two of the tournament's most consistent teams.

What can we say to console Ecuador 100% Vets? They had performed so well in the group phase but they had run into a quality team at the top of their form. Los Domingueros had a Cup Final to prepare for.