HARD ROCK TAKES TITLE

Clarkes Court Hard Rock and SGU Ladies Knights are the 2013 Champions of the Waggy T Super Knockout Football Tournament.

They took the major honours in the finals last Saturday at the National Stadium in River Road, St. George’s. Hundreds crowded the arena for the matches and they were not disappointed as the teams battled vigorously for the titles much to their delight.

Clarkes Court Hard Rock players pose with the trophy after winning
the final of the Waggy T Super Knockout Football Tournament.

In the women’s final, SGU Ladies Knights
got the better of FUTGOFF 1-0.

There was a stirring build-up to the men’s final between Clarkes Court Hard Rock and Diamond Concrete Works Hurricanes, with Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell meeting the players before the kick-off, which was expected to produce keen and exciting football.

And it was, as the teams battled furiously for the major prize. Hard Rock in the end proved more durable, recording a convincing 5-2 victory. They took the lead in the 5th minute, when Kade Wellington headed home a fantastic corner by Kimmon Red Head. But Hurricanes drew level in the 20th minute through Rickel Augustine, who scored from the spot, after the ball was handled inside the box. Striker Denron Daniel then scored twice – first a 25-metre rocket from a free kick in the 22nd minute and two minutes later, to give Hard Rock a comfortable 3-1 advantage at the half-way mark.


They tightened their grip three minutes into the second half after Steven Whiteman scored another well-taken corner by Kevin Edwards. Kade Wellington scored again in the 48th minute to seal the issue at 5-1, as Hard Rock took full control. Hurricanes pulled back a consolation goal in the 53rd minute, through Rickel Augustine, who scored from the penalty spot. It was a lively atmosphere throughout the 80-minute duel that was played to the sounds of bells, trumpets and the beat of drums.

In the women’s final, SGU Ladies Knights got the better of FUTGOFF 1-0 in a competitive fixture, which speaks well of the development of women’s football in the Spice Isle. The SGU team looked the better team in the first half passing the ball around with authority, orchestrating creative build-ups; but FUTGOFF found their feet as the encounter unfolded, matching their opponents play for play.

Chavon John Brown of the champion team – the
Best Youth Player and the MVP of the Tournament.

In the end it was the goal by Raina Smith in the 36th minute that made the difference as SGU Knights won 1-0. Smith, Baxter, Campbell, Spinozzi and Yousif were the chief architects of the victory, which earned them $2 000.

In the prize-giving ceremony that followed, SGU Ladies Knights received their winner’s prize of $2 000, while FUTGOFF picked up $1 000. Champions Hard Rock earned the winner’s prize of $35 000, which amounted to earnings of $39 000. Hurricanes picked $15 000. Saddai Mark of Sun Setters was the Best Goalkeeper, Boca Juniors the Most Disciplined team, Fenyang Swann of Boca Juniors – the Best Defender and Shavon John Brown of the champion team – the Best Youth Player and the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament (MVP).