THE NEIL CUTTING MEMORIAL CUP

by Megan Billerwell | Apr 22, 2021 | General

After 8 long years, the Neil Cutting Memorial Cup has been brought back into play this week with Bridgewater-Callington Raiders facing off against the Devils for the first match of the season.

The challenge cup was originally set up in 1994 to add to the very competitive matches between neighbouring clubs Bridgewater and Mt Lofty. As with most competitions between neighbouring clubs, the rivalry is fierce and there are often player movements between those clubs, adding to the emotion of the event. A group of players and supporters of both clubs, lead by The Courier’s Sporting Editor and Mt Lofty Life Member, Jeff Pistola, discussed the possibility over some time and in 1994 the Cup was first awarded to Bridgewater. 

Four years later, in 1998, Neil Cutting sadly passed after a battle with illness at the age of 44. Neil had progressed through the junior and senior ranks as a Heathfield Aldgate United and then Mt Lofty player before moving to the Bridgewater club in the mid 1980’s where he went on to play, coach, serve on the committee and eventually lead the club as President. He earned a wonderful respect throughout both communities and so his passing at a young age saw the clubs extend the name of the cup to “The Neil Cutting Memorial Challenge Cup” in his honour. In Jeff Pistola’s words on the trophy “The passing of Neil Raymond Cutting, from cancer at the age of 44 in 1998, robbed not only football, but the greater community of a popular, caring, ambitious and energetic person, whose traits are more than highlighted in the annual challenge match which honours his memory.”

Terrific that the tradition resumes and great that there is still a lot of anticipation and support.

Just for the record, the tally stands at 10-10 with the cup currently held by Bridgewater-Callington. A big week to get out and support the Devils at Aztec Oval Bridgewater.