Solihull Barons star Eley bids farewell at special testimonial match - The Solihull Observer

Solihull Barons star Eley bids farewell at special testimonial match

Solihull Editorial 27th Apr, 2016 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

A HIGHLY successful first team in the top tier of the National League was rounded off with an awards ceremony for Solihul Barons and a special testimonial match for the retiring Rob Eley.

Saturday’s awards was a chance for the Barons to take time to reflect on a positive season on the ice and they were able to thank the club’s supporters, sponsors, players and helpers with special awards going to Dave Rogers, Tomas Janak and Ryan Selwood.

Sunday saw the Barons lace up the skates for the final time this season when they took on the ‘19 for 19 Legends’ in front of a very large Hobs Moat crowd.

This game would be the culmination of captain Rob Eley’s testimonial season and would see the Barons take on a Legends team composed of some of the most illustrious names to pull on a Solihull shirt over the last two decades.




As with a host of other events held through the season, the tie would raise money for Rob’s 19 for 19 campaign in aid of Ward 19 at Heartland’s hospital.

While the game was played for fun, there was a good deal of competitive spirit on display particularly in the mid-game skills competition, highlights of which included the Baron’s Dave Rogers only just losing out to Rob Eley’s Olympic speedskater brother Jon in a two lap race of the track.


In recognition of his contribution to the Barons over the years and his fund-raising efforts this season, the game would also mark the retirement of Rob Eley’s number 19 for the Barons.

While the Barons would lose on the night, the winner would be the 19 for 19 campaign which has raised well over £30,000 for the cause, over the course of the season.

The team will now take a well deserved Summer off. The 2016/17 season will start early September with some warm-up ties to be scheduled before then.

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