Amid some late on-field controversy, La Clery pulled through to emerge as champions of this season’s Blackheart Knockout Football (BKF) Big 8 Tournament by beating Anse La Raye 1-0, in the finals, on Sunday, at the Dennery playing field.
From the first whistle opposing sides went all out to gain the advantage as the match did not lack intensity. However, within the last minute of the first half La Clery slotted in from the penalty spot to take the lead.
La Clery’s confidence was more evident in the second half as Anse La Raye turned up the heat to equalize. But approaching the 43rd minute, it all went awry for the West Coast-based team as the team’s coach Sommers Augustin was ejected from the game after getting involved in a row with the match referee.
Subsequently, the head coach pulled the team off the field resulting in the match ending abruptly.
Since capturing the BKF championship trophy more than 10 years ago, the Anse La Raye team has had its fair share of controversy in the BKF tournament. Last year, the team lost to Dennery in the major BKF championship finals while citing at least two blatant officiating decisions that did not favour the team.
Not intended to undermine La Clery’s victory in any way, the two sides went head-to-head in a challenging encounter but it was La Clery that held their nerve and composure to pull through triumphantly. Earlier, La Clery had gone past Soufriere 1-nil to qualify for the finals and Anse La Raye out did Gros Islet for the other finalist spot.
So, the action was set with fans cheering on their respective sides in what was anticipated to be a tough challenge. But again, things did not turn out Anse La Raye’s way and they fell short due to a technical decision bordering on disciplinary measures.
In the aftermath of this latest development, an SLFA official told VOICE SPORTS that investigations will follow the referee’s match report, at which time the appropriate measures will be taken.
Meanwhile, commenting on the matter, Blackheart Productions CEO, David “Shakes” Christopher, stated that this year’s tournament aimed to promote peace and unity, adding that there is zero tolerance for indiscipline on anyone’s part.
There was indeed some riveting play, as the Big 8 Football Tournament kicked off last Saturday at the Dennery Playing Field with four exciting match-ups.
The results of the matches played were as follows:
Soufriere vs. Desruisseaux 2-1
La Clery vs. Marchand 1-0
Gros Islet vs. Vieux Fort South 2-0
Anse La Raye vs. Dennery 4-3 on penalty shootout after full-time.
In the meantime, BKF organisers disclosed that the draw for this year’s Blackheart Football Tournament is due for today (Wednesday) at Olympic House in La Clery. At that press launch, the sponsors will be presented and other logistics revealed to the media.
The opening matches in this year’s Blackheart Football Tournament will roll out this weekend, September 8 and 9, at the Dennery Playing Field.