WITH Germany 2006 kicking off tomorrow, a World Cup with a difference took place in Southery this weekend – in Subbuteo. Teams representing all 32 competing nations gathered at the home of Jason Flack for the event on Sunday, which saw fans of the popular

WITH Germany 2006 kicking off tomorrow, a World Cup with a difference took place in Southery this weekend - in Subbuteo.

Teams representing all 32 competing nations gathered at the home of Jason Flack for the event on Sunday, which saw fans of the popular table football game competing for their World Cup trophy.

Friends and family of the players gathered in the sunshine, and with four tables in play throughout the day, the action came at a fast pace.

Virtually all those who took part were keen and skilful Subbuteo players, with perhaps the honourable exception of the Ely Standard's own Journeyman Jones, whose Mexico team were eliminated at the group stage.

"Despite losing 3-0, 6-0 and 3-0, I was proud of the performance of my team," said the Journeyman.

The tournament was won by Scott Insall's Argentina side, who defeated Mr Flack's Poland outfit 3-0 in the final.

Mr Insall also took the Golden Boot award for the most goals scored by one player, with 17.

"We are going to try and run one every year now," said Andy Everitt, one of the organisers. "Everyone loved it, even the women and children, and everyone had a good day."

FLICK OFF: Andy Everitt, Jason Flack, Scott Install, Christopher Blake, Charlie Kent, and Alex Bettison at their Subbuteo World Cup held in Southery at the weekend.

Photo: HELEN DRAKE