We've all met sharks and bears in the business world but biting was strictly banned as corporate leaders from Hounslow clashed on the table football field.
Hounslow Chamber of Commerce organised the event last night (Wednesday) which was hosted by Chiswick's iBurbia Studios and sponsored by the Heathrow-based Sound Moves.
Ten teams of two engaged in 15 rounds of frenetic action hoping for a place in the final which was eventually won by a pairing from chartered surveying firm Willmotts; who despite being based in Hammersmith were given special permission to play.
There was plenty of food and drink on offer for mid-session refreshments but sadly no physio to attend to sprained wrists and plastic corrosion.
Despite urgings by the chamber, Hounslow Chronicle news editor Chris Longhurst was the only competitor to turn up in team colours as he pulled on the replica shirt of local side Brentford FC.
Paired up with Norman Liu the MD of Chiswick-based Drunken Sailor Media, he was sadly unable to reproduce the form which saw the Bees promoted to the Championship this season.
During one match a shocking decision by the chamber's manager Sally Smith who was acting as official adjudicator saw an equalising goal awarded against Chris' side well after the final whistle had sounded making the scores 8-8.
Mr Liu joked: "I'd already stepped away from the table, the match was over. I'm not saying that was responsible for us not making the semis - but it certainly knocked our confidence!"
It wasn't all bad news for Chris however as he went on to win a Rolling Stone 2014 tour sweatshirt in the business card raffle.
Pictures courtesy of Ted Knight Tech Manager for iBurbia
Willmotts associate director David Corby teamed up with his finance director Jim Jenkins and together the pair reigned undefeated as they breezed through to the final - with their biggest margin of victory being a 12-2 trouncing.
Proudly clutching the champagne awarded to them by Sound Moves MF Martin Corr, Mr Corby said: "We got an email about the event and since we both have a liking for table football we decided to take advantage of it.
"We really enjoyed representing the company in the local environment and also meeting many other businesses."
Mr Jenkins added: "It was a lot of fun and we look forward to defending our title next year!"
Mr Corr helped found the firm in 1996 and still it specialises in logistics management for the music industry, including helping create the impressive alien-looking stage for U2's 2009 concert at Wembley Stadium.
They are currently supporting Lady Gaga on tour in Australia and the Middle East and Mr Corr said: "It's been a hugely enjoyable evening at a fantastic venue which is a real hidden treasure here in Chiswick.
"I delighted with the outcome as we always try our best to support worthwhile local events put on by the chamber of which we have been members for many years.
"We hope everyone had as much fun as we did."
iBurbia Studios is a unique workshop environment for local businesses, creative, media and technology companies.
Studio manager Laura Ashby said: "It was a pleasure to host the fun event for local businesses and showcase our facilities. There was a great turn out, nibbles and drinks enjoyed by all."
Sadly, as in all competitions, there has to be a last place and the wooden spoon was awarded to Kathleen Stubbings, of SAB Services and her teammate, chamber vice president and director Chris Durkin, who summed up defeat by saying simply: "It's a funny old game."
For more information on iBurbia and their facilities visit www.iburbiastudios.co.uk
