The Saint Lucia Football Association [SLFA] Inc. President’s Cup kicked off on Tuesday (April 18) with double headers at the Dennery Playing Field and Desruisseaux Playing Field respectively.
At the Dennery Playing Field, Nyabinghi FC defeated Garrand FC 4 – 0, with goals from Christopher St. Catherine 16th, O’Neil Alexander 58th, Emmery Edwards 80th and an own goal by Lawrenson Cilien in the 86th minutes of the game.
Also on the fixture, Big Players and CT Foundation played to a goalless draw.
At the Desruisseaux Playing Field, Faith United with goals from Zadel Dasouzoy 11th, Wendell Joseph 57th and John Ellen Romelias 71st minutes, narrowly defeated Shambala Shiloh 3 – 2.
Scoring for Shambala were Hassan Evans 32nd and Jonathan Marcellin 61st minutes respectfully.
Black Eagles defeated Uprising 6-1 convincingly, as Darrell Francis registered the first hat trick of the tournament.
Francis’ goals were scored in the 35th, 37th and 41st minutes, while the other goal scorers were Mahvy Rismay 8th, Akid Edmund 49th and Kervele Thomas in the 75th minutes.
Sherquain Martty pulled one back for Uprising in the 2nd minute of added on time.
Scores of matches played, Thursday, were as follows:
Desruisseaux Playing Field
Shambala Shiloh vs. Desruisseaux United 3 – 3
Black Eagles vs. DCYO 3-2
Dennery Playing Field
Garrand vs. CT Foundation 1 – 0
Aux Lyon United vs. Agardianz 4-2 (Robert La Coucuce of AL United registered the second hat trick of the tournament).
Meanwhile, the Prize Giving Ceremony for the Gros Islet Football League [GIFL] inaugural Beach Football competition took place, on Wednesday, at the Gros Islet Human Resource Development Center.
GIFL President Shane Paul provided a review of the tournament, in which five teams participated, namely; Corinth, Gros Islet Best, Fond Assau All Stars, and the eventual champions – Fond Assau Young Boys.
A total of approximately 40 players participated in the competition, where 53 goals were scored.
Paul acknowledged the input of parliamentary representative for Gros Islet, Kenson Casimir for his unwavering sponsorship and support for the development of football within the community and in addition, the sponsorship provided by the St. Lucia Football Association [SLFA] Inc.
Gros Islet Mayor Egbert Lucien was delighted with the outcome of the event and told the gathering that sports is a pivotal vehicle that brings communities together. He reiterated that society at large can emulate the successes that have been achieved through sports and congratulated and commended everyone on their achievements.
Sports Minister Casimir was pleased with the turn out, while indicating that following discussions with the SLFA, the government is prepared to take Beach Football to another level. He recalled Saint Lucia’s outstanding performance some years ago, when the team won a Gold Medal at the Youth Commonwealth Games.
The Gros Islet MP hinted that a site has been identified in the Gros Islet area for the construction of a Beach Football field, and soon as the funds are available, construction works on that project will be undertaken.
He also indicated that since solar lighting has been fully installed and operational, at the Corinth playing field, the next stage will involve complete renovation of the facility for staging several sporting activities, with focus on the hosting of a major community Futsal competition.
The following awards presented at Awards Ceremony, were as follows:
Best Goal Keeper – Marlon Henry and Joshua George – Trophy – $ 125. 00 each
Most Goals – Rikelme Lionel (15) – Young Boys Fond Assau – Trophy and $250.00
MVP of the tournament – Rikelme Lionel – Trophy and $250.00
First Place – Fond Assau Young Boys – Trophy and $3,000.
Second Place – Fond Assau All Stars – Trophy and $1,500
Third Place – Corinth – Trophy and $1000. 00.