The grand final of the Rutland Cup saw Cottesmore AFC steal a whopping victory on Wednesday 19 July 2023.

The Rutland Cup is an annual football tournament that sees 4 local teams compete in a series of friendly games across 2 weekends to raise money for Rutland-based charities. 

Following a postponement due to heavy rain at the weekend, the Rutland Cup took place on Wednesday night and saw the winning team crowned victorious - and much-needed funds raised for this year's chosen charity, Pepper's- A Safe Space.

Pepper's – A Safe Place is a local charity dedicated to supporting mental health, wellbeing, and tackling loneliness. It has been opened for 4 years and offers drop-in sessions and regular classes and groups to encourage learning and socialisation.

Development Manager, Pippa Gorman, said: "Loneliness is something that I'm sure we have all struggled with, especially throughout the pandemic. But many live with it everyday. We want to bring the community together, with a shared, safe and welcoming space for all, to chat, socialise, have fun and be less alone."  

Last year's sponsors included The Crown Tavern, Rutland Late Night Pharmacy and The Royal Duke. Image credit: Dan Allen.

The organiser of the Rutland Cup, Stewart Lambie, explained: "We supported Pepper's in 2021, and since then have had friends impacted directly by the work they do. As such, we plan on supporting them every year." 

The football clubs involved in this year's tournament included Oakham, Uppingham, Cottesmore, Stamford Lions. 

Oakham and Uppingham got knocked out of the tournament in the first round, which took place on 8 July, leaving Stamford Lions to face Cottesmore at the grand final.

The Rutland Cup was postponed this weekend and will now take place on Wednesday. Image credit: Stewart Lambie.

Cottesmore were victorious with a hefty 7 point lead by the end of the game.

The winning team shared their pride on social media: "Cottesmore triumphed in the final of the Rutland Cup with a 7-0 victory over Stamford Lions.

"Jamie Behan opened the scoring from the spot as Cotts raced into a 3-0 lead within the opening 25 minutes with Brendan Parker and Dwayne Charles also on the score sheet and Mark Tinsley adding a fourth midway through the half to give the green men a 4-0 advantage at the break.

"In the second half Cotts added three more as man of the match Aaron Ridout added a fifth, Jake Culverwell headed a sixth and Harry Stannard drilled in a seventh to finished off a successful evening for the lads.

"Thanks must go to Stewart Lambie for arranging another great tournament and we hope the money raised will help a great charity."

To help raise funds, the team also hosted a raffle and bucket collections during the event, and despite the rain the team collected an admirable sum to donate to Pepper-s- A Safe Place. 

The total raised at the event came to £719.60, and will be handed over to the charity soon.

Congratulations to the teams, supporters, spectators and organisers of the annual tournament - and bring on next year!

Let us know about your fundraising events and challenges by emailing [email protected].