Never mind Euro 2024, the only football tournament worth the name returned to the playing fields of south London this month.
Twenty-six teams drawn from protection and indemnity clubs, underwriters, brokers, law firms and others in shipping gathered to do battle for the Marine Challenge Cup (MCC), which has been an annual five-a-side fixture for more than a quarter of a century.
The contest’s US and Panamanian law firm sponsors are Royston Rayzor, Hamilton Miller & Birthisel, Keesal, Young & Logan, Chaffe McCall, Palmer Biezup & Henderson, DeCastro & Robles and Freehill Hogan & Mahar.
“This year’s MCC was fortunate to have beautiful London summer weather full of sunshine and moderate breezes throughout the day,” the sponsors told TradeWinds.
A strong NorthStandard squad took home the cup as the overall champions, defeating a proficient QBE team in a heavily watched final.
NorthStandard was formed last year from the merger of the North of England and Standard P&I clubs.
Several teams fielded by UK solicitors also showed off their skills, with Penningtons Manches Cooper winning the MCC Shield.
This competition featured teams that did not advance from the initial group stages.
The runners-up in that competition were MFB Solicitors.
Kennedys Law, with the help of some players from other teams, took the Veterans Cup for the over-35s.
‘Robust’ competition
After the matches and the awards ceremony, the participants enjoyed a barbecue and party that lasted well into the evening.
The sponsors said they were grateful for the “robust participation and spectator turnout”. Plans are already afoot for next year’s gathering.
Last year, the competition saw a new name added to the trophy, newcomers Amphitrite Underwriting.
