Pirates invade beach soccer scene - and take some by surprise

The tournament was the first time the Pirates had taken to the sand to play at the home of England beach soccer.

Nyetimber were unknowns and the locals tipped them not to score a single goal against sides who play week in week out in the Isle of Wight Beach League.

The Pirates’ opening match was against Bixente Morientes and Ted Griffin struck a superb free-kick to put the Pirates one up.

The Pirates started to tire and Bixente started to take control and levelled. But Nyetimber’s use of subs paid off when Sean Williamson was fouled in the area and slotted home the penalty to give Nyetimber a 2-1 win.

Next, the Pirates face last year’s winners and No1 seed WKR Santos, a side who contained a number of England Beach internationals.

Griffin put them ahead in a game which Nyetimber dominated but they conceded a late goal giving WKR a vital point.

When Nyetimber faced No4 seeds Solent Santos, they brushed them aside with a 4-0 win with goals from Hardwell, Hamm, Turner and Welling.

Keeper Walter pulled off a number of superb saves to keep the Pirates ahead, catching the eye of England manager Terry Bowes who was watching from the sidelines.

The 4-0 win meant Pirates cruised into the quarter-finals, but the Pirates were unable to return to the island because of travel difficulties.

But they made their mark against the best the sport has to offer and will sure to return next year as they go for the crown.

NYETIMBER: Walter, Hamm, Palmer Williamson, Griffin, Turner, Vevers, Hardwell, Welling.