Axminster Tools drill their way to victory at the Herman Miller Cup

Axminster Tools & Machinery were crowned champions of the Herman Miller Cup five-a-side football tournament last month following a tense and animated final with Hypnos Beds that culminated in a sudden death victory for the tools manufacturer.

Fourteen teams took part in the competition, organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, at the Lucozade Powerleague Football Centre, Coventry on Sunday 30 June 2019.

Now in its seventh year, the football tournament was sponsored by Herman Miller and supported by trade magazine Cabinet Maker. The event has become a favourite among production and shop floor staff – all who want bragging rights of being the champions of the UK furnishing industry.

Kick off was at 1.00pm and the games were fast and goal heavy with each team leaving everything on the field in the hope of raising the coveted trophy.

After three and half hours of play in the scorching heat, Ax Tools and Hypnos FC were the final teams standing, with two-time champions Whitemeadow knocked out.

The final was a game of two halves and one for the ages, with neither team backing down. When the final whistle was blown a draw of 2 – 2 meant the match had to be decided by a sudden death penalty shootout.

The tension mounted as both teams were given three penalties to knock the other team out. The result came down to the wire with the final save from Ax Tools’s goalkeeper Joe Berry* resulting in the team winning the game 3 – 2 on penalties.

Dids Macdonald OBE, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “The Herman Miller Cup was fabulous, with more than 100 keen footballers taking part, and what an amazing final between Axminster and Hypnos. However, where were all the women players? Next year, I hope!  We’d like to thank our sponsor, Herman Miller, for their tremendous support in helping make this wonderful event possible.”

Josh Chadwick, sales manager at tournament sponsor Herman Miller, said: “It was a great day of football and fun which was competitive and well-spirited. Thank you to The Furniture Makers’ Company for bringing together organisations from within the furniture industry to make it a great event.”

Phil Crabb, warehouse and engineering manager at Axminster Tools & Machinery, said: “The Axminster team really enjoyed the Furniture Makers’ Herman Miller Cup tournament. It was great to meet others, bond with colleagues and then winning by putting Hypnos to bed in the final was a real bonus. Thanks to everyone who made it an unforgettable day for Axminster.”

The event raised a record £4,500 for the charity.

For more information about competing in next year’s tournament, please contact Sally Kent, events manager, by calling 020 7562 8526 or emailing events@furnituremakers.org.uk.