the Peter Adolph trophy
Peter Adolph TROPHY
Memories of Woking 2nd March 2003
The Peter Adolph Trophy was a one-off match between two Subbuteo friends and collectors just after the turn of the millennium. My esteemed opponent was the kindly and friendly Mr Jon Shelley from Merseyside, Liverpool … a true blue! My memory about the match itself and how it came about is somewhat sketchy. I believe it was born out of friendly banter between us on the Subbuteo Forum at that time. No doubt urged on by others, John and I, both probably the most passive of characters, found ourselves involved in what can only be described as a true highlight of Subbuteo and now a memory written into Subbuteo folklore. The outcome was a challenge match (some say grudge) of the lowest order at a fast approaching Subbuteo Collectors’ Fair.
Enter the equally eminent Mr Paul Woozley, a fellow Subbuteo collector and organiser of the 2003 Woking Collectors’ Fair. Despite arranging an excellent Subbuteo Fair at Woking FC’s Clubhouse, Paul very kindly set up tables to play on and made the all-important challenge match happen. What’s more, Paul also surprised Jon and I with this rather grand challenge match trophy, aptly named The Peter Adolph Trophy in honour of the great game’s founder. The rest is history as they say.
Below is a snippet of the match report at that time, supplied by Jon himself. (Text and images courtesy of Jon Shelley & Paul Woozley)
Again alongside the sellers' tables were three pitches. Both football and cricket were played most of the day with the highlight of course being the Peter Adolph Trophy match between my miniature Toffeemen and Tony Blake's miniature Bournemouth team. This year we decided to play with 50s flat players and this led to a far better spectacle than last time out. The score at full time was 1 - 1, with the Toffees equalizing an astute chip from the Cherries. Bournemouth eventually ran out 4 - 3 winners in the Shoot Out and Tony takes the trophy home to the South coast.
Match of the day! Toffees v Cherries 1-1 (3-4 after Penalties)
The two challengers visibly up for the grudge match. Me left, Jon right, holding our 50s Flats.
The match in progress and clear evidence in the background of the capacity crowd’s excitement.
The ever gracious organiser Paul Woozley presenting The Peter Adolph Trophy.
My sincere and special thanks to Paul Woozley for everything he did to make that day a good memory and part of my Subbuteo Stuff history. The Trophy has often raised a smile and story whenever someone sees it. Also to Jon Shelley, the gentleman collector and worthy opponent, nay friend, who graciously allowed me to win and still be talking about it so many years later. I have very fond memories of friends from that time, not least Jon and Paul and quite a few others. I look forward to catching up with some of them at some point now I have finally got my act together and built this site - a homage to Subbuteo Stuff of yesteryear.
Tony
