Poplar and St Paul’s Way (SPW) football rivalry comes to a conclusion
By Nazir Ali
Poplar and St Paul’s Way (SPW) football rivalry comes to a conclusion with a reunion meal and awards ceremony at the Bengal Quay
On Monday 10th January 2022, the two footballing rival teams of Poplar FC and St Paul’s Way (SPW) cohort of 1987 to 1992 came to an end with a meal and awards presentation ceremony at the Bengal Quay Restaurant, Canary Wharf. London E14.
Their rivalry started back in September 2021, a brainchild of Shomraz, Azizur & Tahid, and the teams played highly charged and competitive football at Mabley Green, Hackney until the season ended on 3rd January 2022. Poplar were early favourites, but SPW battled their way into contention as the season progressed. After 10 enduring games, the final ended in a draw. They didn’t want to conclude into a clear winner as they realised it was getting too heated and some players were portraying too much of their aggressive side on the pitch.
“We had some very explosive sessions of football and we decided to conclude with no clear winner” said Shomraz. “In this way we keep our friendship which was built over decades!” Added Shomraz.
The culmination of the season came to the Bengal Quay restaurant, where all the players got together for a lavish dinner, reflection and an awards presentation ceremony. The awards were a surprise from Shomraz. He said he went through a low and unhealthy periods in his life and these games had ensured positive lifestyle changes for him, and these awards were a small token gesture from him and his family.
The top goal scorer of the season was Sherowan. The best goal of the season went to Akbal. Everyone else received a personalised medal with their name engraved on the back.
Going forward, they booked another 10 games at the Mabley Green. However, this time the teams will be picked from a mixed pool of Poplar and SPW players.
