3rd annual New Era Cell Smart Mohamed’s Enterprise Futsal Tournament…
― defending champs survive Chelsey scare
Lindeners rose to their feet at the McKenzie Sports Club Hard Court where they witnessed yet another entertaining night of futsal action as the 3rd annual New Era Entertainment Cell Smart Mohamed’s Enterprise Futsal Tournament gets into the business end with four high profile games.
The victorious Customs teamMagic Stars Jermain Grandison in action against Chelsey
In the first game, Customs seized the match from Spikeland in a 7-1 beating. Both teams looked rusty at the start of the match, each consistently firing away at each other’s goal but some good goalkeeping ensured no one scored in the first 10 minutes of play.
However, Custom’s Daniel Wilson sent one rocketing past the Spikeland keeper who was unable to hold on in the 11th minute (11’) which signalled a string of goals to follow. Wilson came back to score in the 14’ after some good dribbling while Wendell Stull in the 16’ and Shawn Marshall in the 17’ had Spikeland reeling 4-0 at half time. The second half showed little mercy for Spikeland as well, but Lionel Joseph managed to squeeze one past the Custom Goalkeeper. On the other hand, Travis Mark wrote his name in the scoresheet in the 29’ while Frank Crandon complimented his Custom teammate three minutes later. Wilson returned to sink the last of seven goals into a clearly stunned Spikeland.
Empire continued their winning ways with a 6-4 win against MSC Lions in the second encounter. Josiah Joseph netted a hat trick for the lions but it was not enough to stop the Empire with Kevin Beaton scoring a hat trick of his own and Curt Johnson, Trenton Lashley and Benny Neblett chipping in with a goal each.
Defending champions Magic Stars were not at their best as they were pushed to the limit by a good Chelsey side. SteffonTappin got the stars on track in the second minute followed by their captain Jermain Grandison three minutes later but Godfrey Johnson scored in the 8’ to keep Chelsey alive. Grandison score two more times in the 11’ and 16’, and Kevin Sears scored seconds before the clock stopped to leave the game 5-1 heading into the second half.
However, the second half belonged to Chelsey as they scored five running goals to equalize, led by Oswin Hope’s double in the last minute of play sending the game in to over time where Stars showed their experience and netted five more goals in the five minute per half overtime. Grandison and Ronel Mathews score two each.
Customs returned for their second match of the night in the knockout contest to eat up plantain and cheese 6-3. Al Chester was the only player from the food business team to find any form scoring twice as but Customs’ Gavin Blackman, Andre Bruart and Daniel Wilson scored doubles each to see their side home and spoil Plantain and Cheese’s fun.
The first prize is $400,000 along with trophies and replicas, up by $100,000 from last year. The second placed team will claim $150,000 and trophy, third $75,000 and trophy and fourth place will collect a trophy. Other prizes are on offer for the MVP, Best goalkeeper, most goals and Best young player. The competition runs today and continues December 17, 23 and 26 the grand finale. The organisers are promising an exciting and entertaining tournament with side attractions and are encouraging all to come out and support as the team put their best on the court to claim the prize money on offer.
