‘Bend it like Beckham’ tournament: Back Circle, Sparta Boss meet again in finals

After witnessing exciting semifinal action during the ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ tournament, played on Thursday, August 28, 2024 at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown, spectators would be witnessing a rerun of the ‘Keep Your 5 Alive’ finals on Saturday, August 31st, with Back Circle and Sparta Boss vying again for another coveted title.
In the first semifinal of the night, Sparta Boss became the first team to secure their place in the finals with a miraculous victory over underdogs North East La Penitence.
The scoreline read 6-3, since Sparta’s Ryan Hackett contributed a phenomenal hat-trick of goals, Captain Curtez Kellman contributed a double, and Darron Niles had one goal to his name.
Carl Griffith showcased his ability to put the ball at the back of the net, as he netted a miraculous hat-trick of goals for North East La Penitence. That, however, was not enough to carry his team over the finish line towards the win.

Speaking to the media after the game, Captain Curtez Kellman of Sparta Boss admitted to feeling great because of the win, and disclosed that preparation would be key in coming into the next game. Kellman said, “Obviously, everyone like that in baseball can win. Obviously, get to that win, it brings a good feeling. Coming into this game, each and every player was well-enthusiastic about the fixtures, and getting results is a very good look. I think it’s a different tournament, different players. I think the way how we prepare for this one, it all comes down to our preparation. The way we prepare is going to be different from the previous fixtures. Going into the next fixtures, where we come up against, we have to prepare well.”
The final game of the night was filled with excitement, Back Circle emerging on top of proceedings over Bent Street as they managed to start off the game by putting the ball at the back of the net early in the 3rd minute, compliments of Beveney Marks; and in the 4th it off the feet of Stephen Mc Lean. They were up by 2 goals, giving them a major advantage for the first half.
The second half saw Bent Street playing possession, which benefitted them, as they managed to net a goal from Samuel Garnett; and in the dying moments of the game, Daniel Wilson netted another goal, which sent the game into extra time. In extra time, Back Circle’s Simeon Moore and Beveney Marks each scored once, reconfiguring the scoreline to 4-2 in Back Circle’s favour.
Also speaking to the media, Back Circle Captain Simeon Moore explained that their expectations were not fulfilled, due to the tough game and the elements needed for their success. Moore said, “Well, there was a lot of argument, a lot of down spirit. The game was so tough, we didn’t play the game that we thought we could play. Keep playing how we play, the same system we play all the time, just keep getting the far end and pushing the score. It worked great for me. It wasn’t 100%, but I’m still working on it, and I’m going for the win.”
Just a week ago, Back Circle and Sparta Boss met in the finals of the ‘Keep Your 5 Alive’ tournament, and Back Circle prevailed with the scoreline reading 3-1.