Wed 19 May saw the second annual RAF FA Veterans Football Tournament at RAF Brize Norton. The weather, although a touch hazy, was warm and dry, which is always a bonus for the older generation. The squad, comprising of Watson, Clayton, Hays, Roughsedge, Parr, Fox, Swann, Brown and Swinney, began the assault on the coveted trophy and of course bragging rights for the next year. Disappointment reigned after the first match as the stall was set out with a 1 - 0 defeat at the hands of RAF Honington, (incidentally, the first team to be eliminated from the competition.) The first half of the second match against RAF Benson was equally disastrous as an unfortunate OG again found us 1 goal adrift.

Dean Brown then suffered a recurrence of an old back injury ruling him out for the rest of the tournament. Enter Jez Swann. A forced change of formation and the team quickly settled into the pattern for the rest of the day running out victors in that match at a canter following a return favour of an OG and a brace from Parr. RAF Brize Norton 'A' were next to get the treatment as another brace from Parr saw us to a comfortable win.

The Cup semi-final was beckoning, but required a win against RAF Cranwell to be sure. This was achieved as Fox got himself on the score sheet with the first two of his five for the day, including a cheeky little back heel into the net. The cup semi-final against RAF Wittering found us 2 - 0 up before a late consolation saw us progress to the final and a real belief that we could actually win the Tournament! The finals highlighted the strength of the league from which we progressed as all four teams in the Plate and Cup finals came from our Pool. RAF Brize Norton 'A' where the opposition for the final and we knew what we had to do. Tired and aching, our game had to be raised another notch in order for success to be realised. No fully fit subs available meant that all had to dig into reserves of energy not called upon for the last 10 years, (or more in some cases.) Fox got the score board moving in the first half with a well taken strike. Swann came very close to opening his account in the second period of play before another well taken goal from Fox made the score 2 - 0 to Icarus.

The defence was bolstered and the last few minutes saw a smidgen of a rear guard action similar in character to the Alamo. But we stood fast, forcing anything goal bound to be struck from distance and off target, not causing our keeper, Watson, any major concerns. There was just time for a brief cameo appearance from the old legend Rob Swinney before the final whistle sounded and victory was achieved. An outstanding day's work found the RAF FA Vets Tournament Trophy Icarus bound; the victory in no small part to hard work, determination, outright team performance of the whole squad, six goals from Parr and five from Fox. Fantastic!