Police FC retained their title when they put handcuffs on the Candy Boss/Antics GT Beer 8-a-side knockout tournament on Saturday night at the All Saints Ground in New Amsterdam.
Led by doubles form Deon Rodney and Mark Roach, Police FC registered a 4-3 win over Paradise FC in a final that had the spectators off their seats for most of the second half.
Despite having more than 60 per cent of ball possession in the opening stages of the game, Paradise were unable to find the back of the nets as goalkeeper Roney
The winning Police team
Cayleb proved why he was the lawmen’s choice between the uprights.
In the 21st minute Police were able to put the Paradise defence under pressure and Rodney took advantage to put his team ahead.
One minute later, he found himself with the ball and all of the defenders behind him. Goalkeeper Esric McKenzie was well in place expecting a powerful shot, but Rodney used the back of his boot to send the ball rolling into the goal and Police supporters jumping for joy.
Four minutes into the second half, Peter Wilson gave Paradise fans some hope when he scored, but four minutes later, Roach scored to keep Police well ahead. That goal was answered two minutes later by Jamal Cambridge.
It was not over. The fans were excited anew as Paradise continued causing the
Mark Roach
lawmen trouble, as they were not able to provide adequate security in their half.
When Referee Micha Erskine blew for a foul inside the 18-yard box in the 51st minute against Police, the field was swarmed by joyful Paradise supporters.
The penalty was taken by Francis Denvon. The ball was sent to the right of the goalkeeper, but he moved to his left in anticipation. Three-all and game on with the clock winding down and Police showing signs of tiredness.
The issue was sealed in the 60th minute when Roach scored again to give Police FC their second lien on the title and $600,000 to go with the bragging rights.
Paradise for their efforts will be receiving $300,000.
The official presentation is expected to take place at Banks DIH Shareholders Meeting in New Amsterdam next month.
The best goalkeeper, most valuable player and the players with the most goals are expected to receive monetary rewards.
Rodney with seven goals has the same number of goals as Olvis Mitchell of Paradise.
Third place was awarded to Golden Star FC after Monedderlust opted out of the tournament following the awarding of their semi-final match with Police to the latter after Monedderlust had scored the game’s lone goal.
However, Police had filed an official protest stating that one of the players
Deon Rodney
Monedderlust had fielded was in fact a registered player for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). The appeal was upheld and the game was awarded to Police.
Monedderlust opted not to contest for third place saying that Police FC had also violated the rules of the competition and had fielded players that were not registered in the competition.
Organisers arranged to have Rosignol United play against Golden Star FC in place of the third-place play-off. Golden Star prevailed 2-nil. (Andrew Carmichael)
