The ultimate prize is still up for grabs, but if Sparta Boss’s breathtaking performance against nemesis ‘Gold is Money’ is anything to go by, then fellow finalist Back Circle is in for a rough ride come Saturday when the curtains come down on this year’s National Sports Commission’s (NSC’s)/Magnum Mash Cup tournament at the National Gymnasium.
Long considered the most successful team in the shorter format, the ‘Bosses’ produced an awe-inspiring display in their semi-final clash against ‘Gold is Money’, such that left their rivals and supporters in a state of utter shock.
The final 9-3 score line represented the most lopsided result in the two teams’ history of bitter rivalry and sets up nicely the anticipation of more fierce battles in the future.
Playing in the second semi-final of the evening before another large crowd, the two archrivals completely overshadowed the opening last-four clash between defending champions Bent Street and Back Circle, which on any other night would have been a headliner.
The two battled end to end in enthralling fashion before Back Circle prevailed 6-5 in a sudden death penalty shootout following a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time.
Touted as a ‘must see,’ Sparta Boss were into their stride within two minutes
Part of the semi-final action between Sparta Boss and Gold is Money on Sunday night at the National Gymnasium
through a masterful display of skill from talisman Jermin Junor, who chested down a long ball and raced on to it before unleashing a cracking left-footer into the far corner of the net.
Five minutes later, ‘Gold is Money’, through an equally wonderful exhibition of skill, equalised through Hubert Pedro, who expertly evaded two tackles to fire past the opposing custodian.
However, Sparta ensured there was enough daylight between the two teams for them to slam home four unanswered goals to take a commanding 5-1 lead.
Junor added his second in the 11th minute, and his effort was followed by a quick brace from Gregory Richardson and a strike from Sheldon Shepherd after twenty-one minutes.
Randolph Wagner netted a pair then pulled one back in the 30th for ‘Gold is Money’, but recent acquisition Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett lit up the arena with three rapid goals, which were interrupted only by Shepherd’s completion of his second to put the game beyond reach.
Wagner scored his second, but the game was already won by the ‘Bosses’.
It was fitting revenge for Sparta that had lost to ‘Gold is Money’ twice in recent encounters.
Champions Bent Street will not be defending their title. They fell to a determined Back Circle, who came from two goals down to win their place in the final.
Two magnificent strikes from Daniel Wilson in the 9th and 13th minutes had given Bent Street a wonderful cushion that lasted up to half time.
However, resumption of play saw a different Back Circle unit clawing their way back into contention through goals from Stephon McLean in the 20th and 27th minutes, which proved enough to send the contest into penalty shootout.
That, too, provided an exciting climax, with fans bellowing support for both teams from the stands.
In the end, Back Circle, a team that has been to this stage on numerous occasions, held their nerve and won in sudden death.
Saturday night promises sizzling action in both the third place and final matchups. Trophy Stall, Insurance Brokers and Nigel Hinds are also the sponsors on board.
