As the cloudy skies overlooked the Harraby pitches, week three of the new Man v Fat football season showcased nail-biting performances and results.
Last season’s league and cup double winners, Parmesan Belgrade Blacks, currently sit top of the pile. However, this season is shaping up to be anyone’s game, as showcased by the close margins in this week’s matchups.
The week’s results were dramatic, with weight loss goals adding a unique twist to the final scores.
Scran United Reds faced a challenging game against Borussia Muncheneverything Whites, finishing 2-8. The match-up between Fatarselona Oranges and Fatburn Rovers Blues was a goal fest ending 8-9 in favour of the Blues.
The most emphatic victory came for Parmesan Belgrade Blacks, beating Saint Eat-Again Greens with a whopping 15-8 scoreline.
Some standout individual performances made these results possible. Mark Bray of the Blacks was unstoppable. Not only did he score multiple impressive goals, but the moment of magic when he flicked the ball over a defender summed up how he left the Greens’ defence scrambling.
He wasn’t alone; players like Shawn Berry and Rhys Ash for the Whites put up brilliant performances. Ian Gillatt for the Blues demonstrated tremendous stamina and skill, covering the ground effectively, while Paul Sewell for the Reds orchestrated their gameplay brilliantly from the back.
The RAW Insurance Brokers Man of the Match accolades shone a light on the diversity of talent in the league.
Mark Bray’s undeniable influence for the Blacks, Shawn Berry’s game-changing saves for the Whites, and Ian Gillatt’s tireless running for the Blues were among the top highlights.
Paul Sewell showcased leadership for the Reds, while Ed Cooper’s composure and passing ability stood out for the Greens.
However, the unique nature of MVF’s league means that scoring goals is just one side of the story.
Players can add to their team’s tally through weight loss, and this week, several players excelled in that department. Mark Bray not only ruled the pitch but also topped the weight loss chart with a 2kg loss. Others like Liam McMullen and Jack Cooper weren’t far behind, both losing 1.6kg.
Coach Beverley Young, reflecting on the week’s matches, said: “A huge shout out to Parmesan Belgrade Blacks, Fatarselona Oranges, and Borussia Muncheneverything Whites, all of whom had every player tracked their food and exercise.
“The Whites, in particular, showcased an impressive team weight loss of 2kg. And, of course, a special mention to Mark for his five per cent weight loss achievement!”
Man v Fat Carlisle is a weight-loss football league for overweight or obese men with a BMI of 27.5 or above, and provides a supportive and friendly environment for men to lose weight and improve their overall health and wellbeing, with over 1,400lbs lost so far.
The league – which combines football with a weight-loss programme that includes diet and exercise advice, weekly weigh-ins and support from fellow players – has been a resounding success, with over one hundred players from across Cumbria experiencing improvements in their physical and mental health.
The matches take place on every Monday evening at the Harraby 3G pitches on Edgehill Road in Carlisle.
The initiative is for all abilities, and there’s no age limit. Players can go completely at their own pace, regardless of their fitness levels.
For more information, or to join the programme, visit www.manvfatfootball.org/carlisle or search Man v Fat Football Carlisle on Facebook.
Readers of this article can receive a special discount when signing up, by using code CUMBRIA when prompted on the Man v Fat website.
