FOOTBALL action continued on Sunday 17th, in the 2019 Veterans in Sports Inc (VISI) tournament at the Phillip Marcellin Ground (PMG) in Vieux Fort with wins for Anse la Raye, Central Vieux Fort, Laborie Veterans and Labowee Connexions. The theme for this year is “Being Strong to the finish”.
In game 1, played under humid conditions and the two teams having to endure two, one minute water breaks on the pitch, Anse la Raye Veterans, playing with a new football kit donated by Phillip ‘Jah Youte’ Herman, defeated Vieux Fort North 2 – 0.
efense; Anse la Raye had a comfortable 2 – 0 win over Vieux Fort North. (PHOTO: Anthony De Beauville)
For Anse la Raye, the goal scorers were No. 10, Deon Francis, in the 26th minute and No. 8, Cornelius Adjodha, in the 85th minute.
VFN would have themselves to blame for not scoring the many opportunities which came their way at either end of the pitch.
In Game No.2, Caricom Masters playing their first match of the tournament, went down to Central Vieux Fort (CVF) 3 – 2.
For Caricom Masters, No. 4 Roderick Branford opened the scoring in the 5th minute of play when CVF goalkeeper failed to hold on from a previous shot taken to goal. No. 7 Andre Emmanuel brought Caricom Masters back into the game in the 83rd minute.
For CVF, No. 10, David Charles, gave his team the much needed equaliser in the 22nd minute; No. 16 Wilburt Moffat put them ahead in the 77th minute when he received a free ball and waltzed his way into the 40 yard area to slot home a well taken right foot shot which eluded the Caricom Masters custodian No. Lawrence Octave.
If one believes, Moffat’s goal was a classic, well No. 4 Leyton Sandiford struck one from way outside the 40 yard area which was a joy to behold. Sandiford received a ball from one of his team mate, looked up and saw the Caricom Masters goalkeeper Lawrence Octave a few yards off his goal line did not hesitate and hammered a right foot shot over the keeper’s head in the 85th minute to seal the victory.
In Game No.3, Laborie Veterans edged out Valley Legends 1 – 0, with the winning goal having been scored by No. 8 Kentis Auguste in the 10th minute. In spite of Valley Legends many attempts to pull one back, the Laborie Veterans defense stood strong to deny them the equalizer.
In the final game on the evening, Labowee Connexions maintained their unbeaten streak with a 3 – 0 victory over Vieux Fort South. For Labowee Connexions the goal scorers were No. 21 Keyscling Holder in the 8th minute, No. 26 Hathan James in the 32nd minute and No. 4 Cleva Charles in the 50th minute.
Veterans in Sports Inc CEO, Alvin Malaykhan, spoke, to the VOICE, “We just completed an exciting Sunday in Veterans football, we had four wonderful matches; Anse la Raye kicking off things with a 2 – 0 win over Vieux Fort North under the hot sun, we had to give the teams two water breaks. In the second encounter, a well-balanced and keenly fought encounter with Central Vieux Fort winning 3-2. Caricom Masters showed they are putting things together to see how far they can get in tournament”.
“Laborie Veterans continue with their winning ways getting the better of Valley Ledgens; Valley Ledgens played well however the score line is not a reflection of the encounter. Laborie Veterans have proven themselves this year, showing that they are the Plate Champions, but this year they are eying the Gold Cup and they are playing quality football. In the final game Labowee Connextions a young energized team breezed past Vieux Fort South 3-0”.
“The weekend matches have set the pace for things to come; at present Central Vieux, Laborie Veterans and Marchand each has six points from two matches. I am hoping some of the teams that will be in action this coming weekend will also get on the score sheet as well”.
According to Malaykhan, “This weekend we will see how the groups take shape with six matches on the cards and the following teams looking to win; VSADC, Caricom Masters, Mon Repos Sharks, and Choiseul Veterans; while the others would be hoping to further cement their standings. Flow Lancers, All Blacks – Dennery, and Gros Islet Veterans are really looking sharp this year adding some young Veterans to their team”.
