Fayaz Bharucha is quickly becoming the penalty king of Blackburn after pulling off a string of saves to help his side claim the third annual Summer 2002 Cancer Relief football tournament.

The Blackburn United keeper was in inspired form in the quarters and semi-finals of the tournament. In the final eight he saved a penalty with his head to send his team through. And against much fancied Nile of Preston in the semi's he saved the tenth penalty twice after the referee asked for the spot kick to be taken again. He celebrated his 22nd birthday a day earlier and after a long lay-off through injury he deservedly picked up the goalkeeper of the tournament trophy.

In the final itself a solo goal by Mubeen ul-haq Patel was enough to see off Fishwick Rangers who had got there having beaten AC Milham, Fishwick Milan and Park Computers in the knock-out stages.

Fishwick Ranger's midfielder Ilyas Ahmed picked up the player of the tournament trophy. In the 16s and under, Beardwood High School beat Whalley Range in the final 1-0. In the semi's Beardwood ovecame a dogged Fulwood Boys and Whalley Range a resilient New Bank Bulls. The 12s and under section saw underdogs Gujrat United beat favourites Deepdale La Coruna on penalties in the semi-finals. But Ivy Rovers proved too much in the final.

Beach FC never looked like surrendering the 11s and under championship but had to work hard in the final to defeat Clitheroe Wolves. The juniors matches were played on mini grass pitches and attracted a total of eighteen teams.

The Summer 2002 Cancer Relief football tournament was held at Witton Park astro-turf and attracted 63 teams from Blackburn, Preston, Bolton, Leeds and Manchester. It is held in memory of Mohammed Feroze Butt by his three sons Javed, Liyaqat and Junaid and local volunteers from Blackburn. Proceeds from the tournament go to charity Christies Against Cancer. The tournament was sponsored by Blackburn Rovers Football Club, Mcdonalds, Lower Audley Tyres, Asian Image, Blackburn With Darwen Community Events Unit and the Blackburn Community League. Donations have been recieved from FJM Pawnbrokers, Intack Taxis, Baba Zaman's, Galavisions and ICE Vehicle's Securities. Organisers wish to thank all the volunteers who gave up their time during the day to make this another successful event.

WINNERS 2002

Seniors winners: Blackburn United

Runners-up: Fishwick Rangers

Under 16s winners: Beardwood

Runners-up: Whalley Ranger

Under 12s winners: Ivy Rovers

Runners-up: Gujrat United

Under 11s winners: Beach FC

Runners-up: Clitheroe Wolves