An occasion fit for a Prince

Oct 15 2007 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

Prince's Trust Challenge Trophy

Oct 15 2007

Watch

THOUSANDS flocked to St James’s Park yesterday to watch some of the region’s favourite sporting stars take to the pitch again in aid of youngsters across the North-East.

Newcastle United legends Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand recalled memories of their time playing under Kevin Keegan as they came together for the first time since leaving St James’s.

They were joined by a host of former teammates plus Gallowgate favourite Paul Gascoigne for the final of the Prince’s Trust Challenge Trophy, which has raised thousands for disadvantaged youngsters.

The Duke of Northumberland’s team were up against a number of top names from the world of sport from the south of the region playing in the colours of the Earl of Durham, including Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn.

Yesterday’s match follows similar challenges in cricket, golf and clay-pigeon shooting throughout the summer.

Around 20,000 fans cheered as Shearer scored a hat-trick for his side which went on to win the game 5-3 and make it a tie for both sides who each won two of the four events.

But it was the Earl of Durham’s team which took overall victory in the Challenge Trophy after a penalty shoot-out, much to the disappointment of some fans.

Shearer said the charity challenge was his first full game since leaving St James’s Park last year. He said: “I have never been on a football pitch since I retired, I’ve played a couple of five-a-side games with friends but certainly the first game I have played in a while.

“The response from the players has been fantastic, of course it’s impossible to get everyone but the majority of the 96 era when I was here are here which is great.

“The Prince’s Trust is a fantastic charity, it’s certainly new what they have done this year but it has been a huge success. The charity helps a lot of people and a lot of causes and you can see by the result of the turnout of ex-players that it means something special to them.”

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn, who provoked a storm of a jeers every time he touched the ball, joked that it was nice to get some stick from the opposition.

He said: “I thought it was a great idea, it brings out the competitive sporting element to a real worthwhile cause.

“I do have a bit of history here at Newcastle but it’s great and that’s what sports are about. People are competitive, people are enthusiastic and I have no problems with coming back.

“It sounds silly but it’s lovely coming back and getting some stick again, it’s a bit therapeutic.”