HORSE FOR THE COURSE

Sixteen runners go to post in the WYCOMBE WORLD CUP on Sunday 3rd July 2011 writes Felix Tango ( Freelance Subbuteo Reporter )

The CREME DE CRESSEX and BEST OF THE REST will compete for bragging rights, and no doubt put their best finger forward in the race for the most prestigious and coveted prize in Subbuteo. The WORLD CUP TROPHY, is the first prize to ever draw drool from a grown man's mouth. It will whet the dreamers' appetite, and even raise a flicker in the underpant department of the most hardened tournament pro!

In an unforgiving format, their will be no allowance for 'stallers' in the field. Group qualifiers will have just fourteen minutes in which to seperate themselves from the 'also rans' on the day, and just one small slip could see them lose a foothold in the knockout phase.

The 'up front' runners and 'hiders' will be sweating it up from 9am, when shakey fingers will be introducing their colours to the 'green' and start to warm up their motor skills in readiness for the GRAND INTERNATIONAL!

Fat, slim or sporting, everybody has a chance. But although many are capable of being 'in it to win it' for ninety percent of the trip, I suspect it is going to take a true 'stayer' to flick on in the final stages and nose ahead at the business end.

There is real concern for the long distance travellers that have been drawn in the proverbial 'group of death!' They could be spent forces when the competition starts in earnest, especially given the tough obstacles they face en route.

GREAT SPORTING RESULTS often have a hint of romance about them, and if the Lionhearts Forum can be trusted, John Phillips will be 100 years old in the run up to this event. The 'old boy' still looks a long way off retirement and would be a popular winner. It would certainly be a fitting accomplishment to mark his centenary year!



Callum Smith, after landing no less than nine trophies last season, and rumoured to be employing new tactics, will be right up in the van, and has to be the one they all have to beat.

However, an ALL TIME LEADERBOARD doesn't lie!

The shrewd punt is Mark Smith. Last years winner is peaking at exactly the right time. Recent 'outings' suggest the reigning champion has been targeting this one all along, and he has stepped up on all previous known form. It's the Mark Smith of old, but with a few more bells and whistles attached!

Yep! The BRANDON BOMBER is the NEW JOLLY, and very bullish about his own chances too! Recently heard singing in the bath with the window wide open ... "It's stayin' home, it's stayin', the GOLD BALL's stayin' home!"

Jokin' aside, MAIDENPARK VALE is definitely the HORSE for this course. So what's with the LONG FACE, Smudger?