The Devenport Cup

Our 2nd annual Devenport Cup was held on Saturday, May 28, 2016. Unfortunately, Mother Nature threw us a curveball with monsoon-like conditions which led to a last minute venue change to the two gyms at VC instead of O’Hagan Field. Nonetheless, the players appeared and made the most of the opportunity.

Here is a brief recap from co-organizer Taj Senghera ’96:

“For the second year in a row, I was fortunate enough to be in the finals of the 2016 Devenport Cup, VC’s alumni soccer tournament. After winning the inaugural event last year, I was on the losing end of the proceedings this time around. Both teams in the finals had won their earlier round-robin games, which meant that our final game of the round-robin format would be between the 2 best teams. We decided, for the sake of our old and tiring legs, to make this game the tournament final.

With Mr. Brian Devenport on hand, the purple team were victorious by a score of 8-4. My team, in white jerseys, kept it close early in the second half as we closed the score to 3-2. But we were no match for our opponents as they blew the game wide open with 4 consecutive goals. They had the perfect balance of youth and experience, fielding a team with 2 graduates of 2016 and 6 from the 80’s/90’s, including 5 from Mr. Devenport’s first year at VC (1984).

The tournament was originally slated to be played on O’Hagan Field, but it was moved indoors due to the inclement weather. The games were played in the school’s 2 gyms and consisted of 30-minute games. In total, we had 32 alumni registered for the tournament, many of whom stayed after to enjoy some burgers/hot dogs and some well-deserved beverages. It was great to see some familiar faces from my days at VC, as well as many of last year’s participants. Most of all, it was the opportunity to catch up with Mr. Devenport that made the whole event worthwhile. "
- Taj Senghera VC’96

Let’s hope that the weather will cooperate with next year’s event! Stay tuned for more information. You are welcome to join our Facebook group ‘VC Soccer Team’ for more frequent updates, photos, and banter.

Peter Fahrmann VC'90
President, VCAA
Devenport Cup co-organizer

3rd Annual Devenport Cup

Saturday, May 13, 2017 marked the date of our 3rd Annual Devenport Cup soccer event. This year we had nothing but clear sunny skies on the morning of Mayfair, unlike last year where we were rained out and forced to play indoors.

Here is a recap from event co-organiser Taj Senghera (VC'96):

“..Saturday May 13th marked the 3rd Annual Devenport Cup Alumni Soccer Tournament. This year's edition had fewer participants than previous years, resulting in one alumni game being played, as opposed to a tournament. The game was played during Mayfair, under beautiful blue skies and sunshine. The 2 teams were equally balanced with youth and experience, which included alumni ranging from 1990 to 2016.

In the end, the purple team came out victorious with a narrow 4-3 victory. If I had to give a Man of the Match award, it would have gone to Craig Tillotson (VC'16), who was a force on both ends of the pitch, scoring one, setting up another, and constantly thwarting the opposition's attack. Also worth noting was the goalkeeping heroics of VCAA President Peter Fahrmann (VC‘90), who was thrust into action after another goalkeeper couldn't make it. Peter made some fantastic, albeit unorthodox saves, to keep the purple team ahead, atoning for the first conceded goal that went through his legs!

As always, Mr. Devenport was on hand to watch the end-to-end action and meet all who attended. Big thanks to the VC Alumni Association for setting up another great event!...”

You are welcome to join our Facebook group, VC Alumni Soccer Tournament, where we will always post our information first before emailing the general VC Alumni population. There you will find photos and plenty of footy banter. Until next year…

Peter Fahrmann (VC‘90)
President, VCAA
Devenport Cup co-organiser

4th Annual Devenport Cup

The 4th Annual Devenport Cup took place Saturday, May 12, 2018 on sunny O'Hagan Field. We had an excellent turnout this year with 20 players from different graduating classes taking the pitch. The boys of '84 were present once again with the spectacular Talino Bruno racking up the goals with his clinical finishing. Congratulations to Liam Coughlan (VC'81), who was not only our oldest player, but was also the only alumnus to play in all the alumni games! We managed to see a little 'twin' magic with Ko Jubilo (VC'94) and Melo Jubilo (VC'91) getting on the scoresheet. It is always great to see new faces at this event, especially the younger alumni ...you are the future of Devenport Cup! Last, but definitely not least, a special thank you to Mr. Brian Devenport for travelling from the island to take in the action and meet up with his 'footy lads.

The 5th Annual Devenport Cup took place on May 11, 2019 under the clear blue sky. A total of 22 players came to this year’s match. Both Anthony Kwan ‘95 and Peter Fahrmann ‘90 made some stellar saves to keep things tight. It was a tightly contested match. Late in the second half, Team White levelled the score from a set piece. As the clock ticked down, Team Purple forced a difficult save after a couple of attempts from the rebound. Team White had one last gasp to tie the game, but, alas, the ball flew wide of the goal. Team Purple wins 5-4.

As per tradition, Coach Devenport came from the island to award our newly minted Devenport Cup trophy. The post-game festivities made their way over to the Mayfair Beer Garden where the celebrations spilled into the afternoon.

Thanks to all the players who came out, our referee Mark Bragagnolo ‘86, and our event organisers Taj Senghera ‘96, Sim Sahi ‘94, and Peter Fahrmann ‘90. We look forward to next year’s soccer match!