Hurricanes looking good for semis

THE mighty force of Diamond Concrete Hurricanes from St. Mark swept into the city last weekend and blew away the pride of River Road Petro Caribe Queens Park Rangers in their backyard to reach
the semi-finals of the Waggy T Super Knockout Football Tournament at the National Stadium. Such an impressive display definitely sets Hurricanes among the hot favourites for the EC$40 000 Championship next week.

The St. Mark’s outfit strung several impressive builds-up together, especially in the first period, and even though appearing to lose some of the force in the second half, as Queens Park Rangers counterattacked, they held out for what was indeed the most impressive win of the quarter-finals – a comfortable 4-2 triumph. They were spurred on man of the match, Rickel Augustine, who struck a hat-trick in a most clinical display.

Diamond Concrete Hurricanes celebrate after their quarter-final win.

He scored in the 6th, 72nd and 78th minutes to set wild celebrations among the many fans from Sunset City, especially “the Horn Man”, who really bellowed. Ryan Alexander hit the other goal for Hurricanes in the 20th minute. Brian Andrew and Irvin Smith were the marksmen for Queens Park Rangers.

In the other game last Saturday, Boca Juniors from St. Patrick got the better of NEWIM GBSS 5-4 on penalty kicks.

They had battled to a one-all stalemate during regulation time, after Dwayne Leo gave GBSS the lead with a delightful free kick from just outside the 18-yard box in the 15th minute. But the ever dangerous striker, Marcus Julien, rose elegantly to head in the equaliser from a precise corner by Jamal Charles in the 24th minute.  Defending champions LIME Paradise meanwhile and Hard Rock advanced last Friday.

Paradise had to fight all the way for a 6-4 victory on penalty kicks in a game against J Mark Construction Sun Setters from Victoria. Shane Renee and Jake Renee scored in the 32nd and 65th minute for Paradise, but Patel Peters netted in the 35th and Shammuah Mark in the 70th to force the issue. Another of the contenders Hard Rock were extended before beating Ball Dogs 2-1. Akimo Peters gave Ball Dogs the lead in the 4th, but Shavon John Brown got a brace in the 23rd and 51st minutes to complete the Hard Rock fight-back.

Hundreds are expected to crowd the national stadium for the semi-finals on Saturday and Sunday, with both men and women in action. SGU Ladies Knights tackle St. Patrick in the first game from six o’clock on Saturday, while there is a much anticipated St. Patrick derby when GCCU Boca Junior engage Clarkes Court Hard Rock. The other games on Sunday pit Futgoff Ladies against Petro Caribe Queens Park Rangers in the opener and LIME Paradise against Diamond Concrete Hurricanes in the other.

The stakes are high as the team reach for the championship prize of EC$40 000, which sets the scene for keen and exciting football. It is the feeling of many that following Hurricanes’ destruction of Queens Park Rangers, they are the hottest favourites to win the prestigious competition, with the gale force winds of the once mighty “Hurricanes” returning. The finals are set for Saturday, November 30. Jamaican Reggae sensation Aidonia, Wuzz Waist featuring Little Natty & Thunder, and Shortpree will lower the curtains in style.