Thrilling semi-finals leave Bent St & Sparta standing
Corona Futsal Tournament
Another action-packed evening engrossed the capacity crowd that filled the National Gymnasium on Saturday to witness the semi-finals of the Corona Futsal Tournament. At the end of the all absorbing display of talent, Bent Street and Sparta Boss secured their spot in what fans call a “dream final” on Saturday.
Philip Erminstine collects his new Hero Motorcycle from Petra Organisation’s Jacklyn Boodie on Saturday evening at the National Gymnasium
Both cliff-hangers needed extra time to determine a winner with Bent Street edging Leopold Street 6-5. Ryan Hackett gave the title favourites the lead in the 7th minute and teammates Kelsey Benjamin (8th) and Pernell Schultz (10th) making it merrier.
Leopold found some fight and hit back with Omari Williams scoring his of three goals in the 14th followed by another five minutes later and the third in the Eon Alleyne joined with goals in 18th and 24th. But Job Caesar (23rd & 25th) and then Andrew Murray Jr (28th) took the match out of the opposition’s grasp.
The top two teams remain and will go head-to-head on Saturday for the title
In the other match, defending champions Sparta pipped Alpha Warriors 5-4 led by a Jeremey Garrett hat-trick (10th, 18th, 28th) after earlier goals from Jermin Junior (1st) and Gregory Richardson (8th). Daniel Favourite (9th & 23rd), Sheldon Holder (9th) and Vurlon Mills (14th) kept Sparta on their feet.
All attention will turn to who will win the purse of $600,000 and the championship trophy. The collaboration with NAMILCO Wheat Gem sees Second to fourth being rewarded $300,000, $150,000 and $75,000 along with the corresponding accolades.
Meanwhile, Philip Erminstine was the lucky fan who won one of the Hero Motorcycles. The other will be given to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the final.
