July 15: SWINDON CARES: DRINKERS from the The Dolphin pub carried off the Swindon Cares football trophy with a one-nil victory against a team from the Cross Link Centre.

The six-a-side tournament raised £900 for good causes, cheered on by a 50-strong crowd.

Kicking off just after 5pm yesterday, 11 teams took over two pitches at Swindon Town Football Club to compete for a winners' trophy and runner-up plate.

Most of the matches lasted eight minutes, except for the finals, which was 16 minutes.

It was plenty of time for the players to showcase some fine amateur skills and also get some exercise.

The teams, which paid £80 to enter the tournament, were made up of work colleagues, pub sides and groups of friends.

Each team was allowed up to eight players including two rotating substitutes, and each team was guaranteed three games.

Phil King, landlord of the Dolphin in Rodbourne Road and a former Swindon Town player, said his winning team had been in the easier group of the two.

"It was our pub side and we have played a few times together," said the 36-year-old.

"We got the goal with five minutes to go and then it was just a matter of keeping the ball and defending."

Not to forget the short trip back to the Dolphin for a celebratory drink.

The Evening Advertiser's team came back from 2-0 down to take home the runner-up plate with a convincing victory against Blunsdon House Hotel.

The players took the tournament very seriously and three professional referees were well used.

But the tournament was played in good spirit and organisers hope it will become a regular fixture in the Swindon Cares calendar.

Last year's fundraising drive brought in £15,000 £5,000 more than the original target.

This year the target is £30,000, and the money raised will go to four charities the Swindon Cancer Appeal, Age Concern Swindon, the NSPCC and GWR FM Community Trust.

Nationwide, Zurich, GWR Community Trust, the Rotary Club of Swindon, Swindon Council, the Swindon Chamber, BBC Radio Swindon and the Evening Advertiser are backing the initiative.

To find out more visit the Swindon Cares website at www.swindoncares.co.uk

Andy Tate