Not only was it a chance to test their footballing skills against European opposition but also an opportunity to make new friends. And, in their first trip abroad since 1983, they came back as runners-up in two European competitions.

Saturday, April 22

Saturday consisted of two competitions. First there was the 11-a-side competition, consisting of two groups with the teams playing games of 15 minutes each way, on full size pitches.

In this section the KLL team had to play games, the top two teams progressing to the semi-finals on Sunday.

In the afternoon there was a penalty competition, each team taking five penalties against five other teams.

11-a-side games

(Pool D-Juniors)

SG Untruth D1 1,

Kingston D1 4

Kingston scored first, having encamped mostly in the opposition's half.

At the start of the second half, the Germans piled on the pressure and equalised - it was to be only goal the defence would let in all day.

In response Kingston came straight back and took control of the game. In a great all-round team performance in the pouring rain, they added a couple of late goals.

Virus/Christ D3 0

Kingston D1 7

Kingston dominated, making great use of the space available. The Danish team found the defence unbreakable, leaving the keeper with only long shots to deal with.

Verburch D2 0

Kingston D1 15

The Dutch D1 team Kingston were due to play had not arrived, so the organisers put forward their D2 team, who were no match for a Kingston team riding high.

However, shortly after the final whistle, news came that the D1 team had arrived , so a another game was rescheduled for later in the day. until later that afternoon. Now it was lunch, and then the penalty shoot-out.

Verburch D1 0

Kingston D1 1

The last game in the 11-a-side table turned out to be a top-of-the-table clash.

The winners would go through to the semi-final to meet the second-placed team in the other group.

The Dutch had the early chances, but by half time the Kingston side had regained its shape, especially the solid defence. Kingston's winning goal came very late in the game.

Penalty Competition: Stage 1

Kingston finished first in the table, with a goal difference of +8, winning all their penalty shoot-outs by the following scores: (2-1 v SG Unterrath D1; 5-0 v Vorup/Kristru D3; 4-2 v Naaldwijk D1; 2-1 v Vorup/Kristru D1 and 4-3 v Verburch D1).

This put them into the penalty final against French side Blanc Mensil D1, postponed until later the next day.

Sunday, April 23

11-a-side games

(Semi's and Final)

Westlandia D1 0

Kingston D1 1

Both the semi and final were to take place on the main pitch of the home team RKVV Westlandia, not too dissimilar to Kingstonian's ground at Kingsmeadow.

In their hardest game of the competition so far, Kingston were a goal ahead at half-time.

The Dutch played good controlled football, keeping Kingston on their toes and having to work hard throughout to keep a clean sheet.

After the final whistle, it was hugs and handshakes all round, and Kingston were in the final!

Blanc Mesnil SP 2

Kingston D1 0

The Westlandia D1 team and supporters were back at the main ground, but this time in the stands shouting for Kingston.

Next to them was the French support for Blanc Mesnil, making just as much noise.

The teams lined up in front of the main stand, each player being introduced individually by the commentator over the tannoy.

After the exchange of pennants and shaking hands the game commenced.

Nothing separated the two at half-time, with both teams having had good chances.

Four minutes into the second half, Blanc Mesnil took the lead.

Kingston Immediately came back looking for the equaliser, but their finishing touch had deserted them.

In the dying seconds, Kingston were hit by a counter-attack finished off with an unstoppable shot.

The game had taken everything out of Kingston, and the effects showed in the proceeding final of the penalty shoot-out competition, losing 5-0 to.....Blanc Mesnil!

Kingston came away as runners-up in both competitions, setting a high standard for other teams to follow.

Kingston send grateful thanks to all the tournament organisers, and especially the hosts Westlandia and their families, for looking after us and making the whole time a memorable one.

l Kingston squad: Josh Brooks, Sam Brooks, Wayne Brown, Jay Chaney, Mark Glen, Tom Hayden, Michael Jenkinson, Michael Kagworth, Tom Martin, Andy Mole, Lloyd Nwagbara, Scott Queen, Harry Varney, Sam Williams, Ashley Wills, Eddie Brooks (manager), Wayne Brown (coach), Kerry Queen (staff), Tony Mole (staff).