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July 22, 2006
Cats Off To Visit The Queen
The AFL has announced Geelong will meet Port Adelaide in the annual Challenge Trophy match to be played at Brit Oval in London later this year.The match – which is always popular within the expatriate community in London – will take place on October 21 after cricket has finished for the year, with the Surrey County Cricket Club confirming arrangements this week.
The traditional clash between two AFL clubs has been running since the 1980s, and this year's offering will see Port Adelaide feature in its first overseas match and Geelong playing in London for the first time after matches in the US and Canada between 1988-91.
AFL Football Operations Manager Adrian Anderson said the AFL was more than happy to continue the annual London fixture in a city where many overseas fans are based.
"The games in London over some two decades have been extremely valuable in building awareness of our sport around the world," Anderson said, in a statement released by the AFL.
"We are expecting another capacity crowd and are delighted that Geelong and Port Adelaide will be showcasing our game at one of the world's premier sporting venues."
Surrey CCC Chief Executive Paul Sheldon expressed his delight at the game returning to the UK, and said it was good to see a proud tradition continue another year.
"The match is always popular and by announcing the fixture so early this year we are confident that we will attract a capacity crowd. We are looking forward to welcoming the AFL and both teams to the Brit Oval," he said.
Tickets are on sale now at www.surreycricket.com priced at Adults £20 and U-16s £10. The match will start at 13.30.
Can anyone say roadtrip?
Posted by Sammy D at July 22, 2006 09:29 PM