Buxton Stars Football Club (FC) completed a flawless tournament run on Saturday evening, defeating Paradise FC 3-0 in the finale of the Candy Boss and Di Antics 8-A-Side Knockout Tournament at the Scott School Ground to claim the championship and a share of more than $2 million in cash and prizes.
Buxton wasted little time asserting their authority, opening the scoring in the 15th minute through Teon Stewart, who finished calmly after sustained pressure in the Paradise half. The champions doubled their advantage in the 18th minute when Deroy Culpepper struck from close range, sending Buxton into firm control before the interval.
Paradise attempted to regroup, but Buxton’s pace and movement continued to stretch the defence. The third goal arrived in the 30th minute when Stewart’s attacking drive forced a defensive error, resulting in an own goal that effectively sealed the contest before halftime.
From there, Buxton managed the game with maturity, keeping their shape and denying Paradise any clear route back into the match as they cruised to a comfortable victory.
The final crowned an exceptional tournament for Buxton’s goalkeeper Navado Galliver, who finished the competition without conceding a single goal and was later named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament for his consistency and composure throughout the knockout stages.
Paradise had reached the final after edging Trafalgar FC 3-2 in a thrilling semi-final encounter, while Buxton booked their place with a 3-1 penalty shoot-out victory over Airy Hall Stars after regulation time ended 2-2.
Trafalgar recovered strongly in the third-place play-off, defeating Airy Hall Stars to secure third position and close their campaign on a positive note.
Buxton Stars’ championship run was built on discipline, defensive organisation, and clinical finishing – qualities that separated them from the field as the tournament progressed.
With Buxton lifting the trophy, Paradise finishing runners-up, Trafalgar claiming third place and Airy Hall completing the semi-final quartet, the Candy Boss and Di Antics 8-A-Side Knockout Tournament once again delivered high-quality football and strong community support, reinforcing its place as one of Berbice’s premier small-side competitions.(Andrew Carmichael)
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