THE STANKS (Berwick-upon-Tweed)

BERWICK CHARITIES CUP FINAL 2021, THE ANGEL ALKIES 4-3 THE BOTTLERS, ATTENDANCE: 345 (h/c)

When an opportunity arises to watch a game at a unique venue, then I am never usually someone who says no. With this in mind, a chance to "tick off" The Stanks was never going to be refused, especially having seen various photos and reports over the last couple of months, so from watching a game at Meggetland Stadium in Edinburgh in the afternoon it was a quick trip down the A1 to Berwick.

The border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed has historically been at the forefront of conflicts between England and Scotland as control passed between the two nations. For defence of the town fortifications were built around the 14th century and the town became walled, however by the 16th century, due to advances in artillery, these walls were largely ineffective.

In 1558, construction began on a bastioned fortification, first found in Italy at Verona, and it is these Elizabethan ramparts that survive to this day.

In the shadow of these steep walls there is a patch of land which is just about large enough to have a pitch and football has been played on The Stanks, mostly to raise money for charity, for over 100 years. It is on this pitch the annual Berwick Charities Cup competition takes place. The photographs I had seen of the place did not do it justice. What a sight to behold!

This year's tournament has seen 11 teams whittled down to two, The Angel Alkies and The Bottlers. The competition certainly grabbed the attention of the locals and a crowd of well over 300 was present.

With all due respect to both sets of players, my expectations of a decent game were low but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The game was a cracker and some good goals were scored. There were clearly some footballers playing. In my opinion, The Bottlers looked the more accomplished side but, as their name implied, they ended out losing out by the odd goal in seven to the Angel Alkies.

It was a lengthy journey home for myself and the key in the door was around 2.30am. It was well worth it. If you haven't been to a game at The Stanks I would strongly advise you to put it on your bucket list and If anyone says its just a public field, well...

Despite not heading to Nardini's in Largs today,
I wasn't going to be denied an ice cream!