Borussia Muncheneverything Whites claimed their second silverware of the Man v Fat Football season, after a blockbuster cup final lit up a bitterly cold and drizzly night in Carlisle.
Floodlights illuminated the Harraby pitches for a titanic clash, as the winners of season seven’s combined football and weight-loss league, Borussia Muncheneverything Whites, took on the top on-pitch team in Saint Eat-Again Greens.
Colourful flags adorned the pitch-side and fans gathered behind the goals, creating a jovial atmosphere with the sound of drums beating, air-horns and excitable commentary over the megaphone.
Borussia Muncheneverything kicked-off the match with a period of controlled possession. Rhys Ash went close for them with a first half strike, before Harry Watson opened the scoring early on: rocketing a shot into the bottom left-hand corner from 12 yards out.
It wasn’t long before the Whites doubled their lead. A quick-thinking interception from Imre Medve on the halfway line set an attack going on the right, with Watson striking another into that same bottom corner, this time from an acute angle.
An even, well-matched game was in danger of slipping away from the Greens, but they were not to be deterred. A quick one-two and a body feint saw Hein van der Westhuizen open up the space for a shot centrally. He took his chance: a strong effort thundered in to the far post. 2-1.
The half-time whistle gave each team a chance to regroup and catch their breath after a truly action-packed first half, in which both teams were relentless in the press and precise in possession.
The second half began just as lively as the first. The league’s top pitch scorer, Ash Clarkson, saw his effort denied by a magnificent Shawn Berry diving save.
But just as the Greens’ momentum was starting to pile on, Harry Watson broke onto a loose pass, driving into space, before unleashing a shot into the roof of the net. 3-1 to the league winners.
Despite the setback, the Greens continued to push forward. An intricate move between Steve Baty, Ben Millington and Hein van der Westhuizen saw the latter draw yet another stunning save from Man of the Match Shawn Berry.
After peppering the goal, the Greens’ efforts finally paid off. A snap-shot, half-volley from Ash Clarkson flew through a crowd of bodies into the roof of the net.
Scott Clarkson and Si Patrick were in top form defensively for each side, but regardless, chances were still present at both ends; notably with Hein van der Westhuizen, Rhys Ash and Andrew Trickett going close.
Rotating substitutes for both teams stepped in throughout to keep up the intensity, as the Whites held firm with their solitary goal lead.
With time quickly running out, a low Ash Clarkson corner found Hein van der Westhuizen sprinting into space. His first-time drive between the keeper’s legs saw the Greens secure a well-deserved equaliser.
Notching up a brace, Hein was the standout player for the Greens; described by the opposition captain as a “handful”, constantly finding space and commended for “taking his goals well”.
As the full-time whistle blew at 3-3, both teams knew that their efforts on the scales would be the difference maker for the coveted cup.
The unique set up of the Man v Fat Football league sees off-the-pitch efforts rewarded just as much as goals on it. Goals can be scored by consistent weight loss, achieving weight-loss percentage milestones and through diligent food and exercise tracking.
The focus on off-the-pitch efforts through the week saw both teams each achieve a remarkable haul of goals.
At 2.4kgs, Andrew Trickett’s top individual loss for the week saw his side earn an extra goal. Four weight-loss hat-tricks arriving in the same week for the Whites also saw a cluster of goals.
Tim Linford and Andrew Trickett both chalked up their 5 per cent milestone in body weight lost since the start of the season, earning further goals for the Whites. Ben Millington’s 10% and Ricky Banks’ 5 per cent for the Greens levelled the scoring playing field.
After the scores were diligently tallied, and off-pitch goals were added to those on the pitch, the final result was announced as 22-20 to Borussia Muncheneverything Whites, who celebrate a fantastic cup double this season.
Reflecting on the achievement post-match, Borussia Muncheneverything Captain Si Patrick said: “What a game! End-to-end, and commiserations to the Greens.
“We knew on the pitch they would cause us problems, but we managed to hold them to a draw. Our efforts once again off the pitch proved the difference.
“For me, our unsung hero all season has been Tim Linford. He has consistently lost weight off the field, but on it he has been a rock at the back. I think he has gone under the radar, but has been imperative to our success.”
“Overall, what a season from the lads! We secured the league a few weeks ago and added the cup this week, making it the double. Off the pitch, the lads have been second to none.
Selected by the opposition captain, the RAW Insurance Brokers Man of the Match for the Whites was named as goalkeeper, Shawn Berry, for his brilliant saves and great distribution throughout the game.
Shawn, a 31-year-old Sales and Lettings Agent from Carlisle, shared more about his experience with Man v Fat Football after joining earlier this season.
“Man v Fat is fantastic. The support from the coach and the lads is inspiring, and really helps me to keep focused on the importance of losing weight each week. The football is brilliant, and with so many different types of players, it’s really competitive while maintaining a fun atmosphere.
“This was my first season and to be a part of not only a league winning team but also the cup is sensational!”
Elsewhere, the other matches ended Fatarselona Oranges 12 – 7 Parmesan Belgrade Blacks; and Scran United Reds 15 – 3 Fatburn Rovers Blues.
Across the remaining games, individual brilliance sparkled on the pitch. This week’s RAW Insurance Brokers’ Man of the Match awards spotlighted those who truly shone.
On his debut, new signing for the Oranges, Gareth Hewgill made a number of great saves to secure victory for his side. The Blacks’ standout was Brendan Reilly, showing great efforts in both defence and attack, scoring three goals and pushing his team forward well.
For the Reds, Oliver Warnes notched up four goals and was described as “the driving force of his team” by the opposition captain.
Ian Gillat of the Blues was recognised for his “relentlessness” in attack, carrying the ball well, carving through the defence and setting the tempo for his team.
Off the pitch, Oliver Warnes was also celebrated for reaching his 10% body weight loss milestone, after recording a 2.1kg loss this week.
Coach Beverley Young said, “A fantastic finale to watch to end season seven, with both Whites and Greens making a huge effort on and off the pitch to fight for the coveted cup. A great game of football ended 3-3, so the weight loss goals made all the difference to the final score. Well done Whites!
“A big thank you to the other club players who stayed behind, making lots of noise to support both teams, despite the Cumbrian yellow weather warning.
“A very impressive 147kgs – more than 23 stone in old money – lost across the club this season deserves a shoutout too. A proud coach!”
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 1600lbs lost so far.
The league – which combines football with a weight-loss program 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.
