The Argo Football Team

For the third year running Argo has entered a team in the Upper Hutt Multi Ethnic Tournament. Last year the team lost 2-1 to eventual champions Somalia in a very exciting semi-final game.

The 2009 edition of the so-called Mini World Cup saw Argo being placed in what has been defined by many as "the pool of death". Sugar City, Upper Hutt Police and former champions UK Kiwi are all tough opponents, with special mention to the Police, who have beaten Argo in the past, and UK Kiwi, a team which includes several former Central League players.

In the first outing, on September 5th, Argo met UK Kiwi in their first pool match. On a very sunny day the boys fought hard, and despite missing a few players, put in a very good performance against a skillful and experienced side. UK Kiwi found the lead through a Sean Doral own goal, an unlucky deflection following a corner. The Expats increased their lead just before half time.
In the second half Argo worked even harder, and applied even more pressure through the midfield, but they managed to break the seal too late. A precise Brooke Toker's drive from the edge of the box gave them hope, but it was all too little too late. UK Kiwi went 3-1 up and game over.

Despite leaving all three competition points on the field, the Argonauts (Leigh McDonald, Sean Doral and skipper Giuliano Serrao) all had kind words for their team. And they were not the only one. "You guys did well" - said an unnamed spectator "you could have managed a draw".

Argo will meet Sugar City next week, and Upper Hutt Police on September 19th, and will need to win both to qualify for the Quarter Finals.
In the other game in Group 3, the Coppers overcame Pacific Sugar City 3-0.

Finally, we would like to thank our hard core fans, including all the Argo Residents who made the trip to Upper Hutt to support us, the caregivers working on that day, our sponsor SLOW BOAT RECORDS, team manager Angie Serrao, and Clair Stewart.