Budweiser 5 a-side Pub Challenge – Finals

Hacienda Bar were crowned winners of the Budweiser Pub Challenge on beating Conquest Pub 4-1 after Sunday's final match at Luxol Grounds.

The victory earned Hacienda team a stunning prize comprising of a trip to New York to participate in a Budweiser 6-a-side tournament against international opposition as well as an opportunity to watch Manchester United play against Juventus at the Giants Stadium.

The match was finely balanced in the first half. Both teams played very cautiously with very few chances of a goal being scored. However, just before halftime, Hacienda managed to score by means of a fierce shot by Gordon Theobald. Hacienda doubled their lead early in the second half at the end of a flowing attacking move.

Conquest Pub threw themselves into the attack trying to reduce their deficit. They managed to score midway through the second half. Some tense minutes of football ensued with Conquest Pub keeping Hacienda under pressure but leaving themselves exposed on the break. Hacienda managed to score the next goal through Nobby Vella and ran out winners in the end by 4-1. Runners-up Conquest Bar received a cash prize of Lm400.

Earlier on, Rookies Sports Bar beat Dive Bar with 8-4. Rookies won third place and winning the third prize of Lm200. The Gozitan players for Dive Bar, fought hard but failed to keep up with in form Rookies players. Dive Bar received the consolation prize of Lm100.

At the end of the final match, Mr Gabriel Wirth, General Manager at Wands Limited, importers and distributors of Budweiser in Malta, presented the prizes to the winning teams.

"We are pleased that this tournament was a success. All the twenty-four teams gave their all and enjoyed the Budweiser 5 a-side soccer tournament. This year's winners will have an unforgettable experience travelling to New York, not just as tourists but to participate in an international tournament as well as attending the Manchester United vs Juventus match at the Giants Stadium," said Mr Wirth.

Apart from Manchester United, Budweiser is the official beer sponsor for The FIFA World Cup, Manchester City FC and Chelsea FC.

Results of the Budweiser Pub Challenge Semi-Finals
Hacienda Bar vs Rookies Sports Bar 9 - 4
Dive Bar vs Conquest Pub 3 - 8

3rd Place
Rookies Sports Bar vs Dive Bar 8 - 4

Final Match result
Hacienda Bar vs Conquest Pub 4 – 1