Uptown Rebels overturned the tables to beat Platinum FC 2-1 and capture the Vieux Fort South Football League Senior Men Championship trophy.
Last Saturday, amidst intermittent showers fans turned out at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds [PMG] for the finals of Vieux Fort South Football League Senior male competition, featuring Platinum FC versus Uptown Rebels.
With the Under -11 and Under-13 tournaments completed, the focus shifted over to the senior male and female league finals.
The crowd support intensified heading to the finals, following the preliminary round matches – and to witness the classic battle between Uptown Rebels and 3-time national and 4-time club champions – Platinum FC.
With the first 15 minutes played out on even keel, Uptown Rebels ‘rose to the occasion’ to silence the Platinum supporters- as Rai Gaspard latched onto a through pass from the flanks , to run past the oncoming defender and slot home the first goal in the 17th minute.
Platinum continued to press forward but came up against a robust defense line, aided by some good work from the Uptown custodian.
After a 1-nil advantage at the interval, it took only a matter of two minutes for Saviola Elva (47th min.) to equalize for Platinum. And though Platinum continued with their offensive play, they were unable to get past a stout defense and hit the target.
Uptown’s prolific striker Donovan Jn. Baptiste sealed the deal in the 77th minute, as he calmly collected an aerial pass and with great composure slid it pass the right of the Platinum keeper to give Uptown the victory and the Championship trophy.
Earlier, in the third place playoffs; Victory Eagles II dominated in an all ‘Eagles derby’ between V Eagles I versus V Eagles II. After a 1-all draw at regulation time, V Eagles II won the penalty shoot out 4-3 for the third spot rankings. Bobby Emmanuel gave V Eagles I an early lead, but Kluivert Grey got the equalizer in the 35th minute.
Uptown Rebels also featured as victors in the female category, last Saturday as the finals of the 3-match Female tournament played between Uptown Rebels and Victory Eagles, ended in a goalless draw, thus ending the series 2-nil in favour of Uptown Rebels.
At the post-match awards presentation, the following prizes were awarded:
Most Goals / Titus “TT” Elva Golden Boots Award – Kurt Fredrick – Platinum FC – scored 8 goals in 8 games
Best Keeper- Glendan Ferdinand – Platinum FC- conceded only 1 goal
Best Midfielder/ Andy “Butu” Jn. Baptiste Award – Kurt Frederick – Platinum FC
Best Defender – Duncan Gopal – Platinum FC
MVP of the Finals – Duncan Gopal –Donovan Jn. Baptiste – Uptown Rebel.