Masters Re-Loaded took the spotlight to emerge winners of the Main Championship 50 + category at last weekend’s Veterans in Sports [VIS] Inc. Saint Lucia Masters Football Invitational held here from June 6 to 9.
It was an amazing four-day event that featured local and visiting teams going ‘tete-a-tete’ in a heated rivalry for the respective coveted championship title prizes at stake.
The atmosphere at the Gros Islet Mini Stadium was fantastic, as the main showpiece unfolded, on Monday, after players had competed at three separate venues, namely Corinth, Grand Riviere, and the Gros Islet MS in the competition.
Grand Finals – 50+ category
Masters Re-Loaded vs. Maracus Alite 2-0
Masters Re-Loaded took an early 6th-minute lead with Edwin Ferdinand blasting a powerful left-foot shot into the nets. With offensive and defensive play kept tight and challenging, the two teams went hard at each other.
However, Roger Celestin pushed his team further ahead in the 44th minute to go 2-up and seal a hard-fought victory.
Other results were as follows:
Main Championships – Third-place playoffs
– Ballers Forever (USA) vs.Era Masters (T&T) 2-0
Plate Championship 50 + – Third Place Playoffs –
– Dennery United vs Sunday Crew 1-0
Main Championship Grand Finals 40 + category:
– Defense Force Past Players (DFPP- T&T) vs. Sunday Krew (T&T) – 4-0
After taking a commanding 3-nil lead by the interval, Defense Force put on a dominant performance to outplay Sunday Krew 4-nil in the finals.
DFPP shot into the lead in the 20th minute and three minutes later (23 minutes) doubled up the score. More offensive pressurize was executed and DFPP went 3- nil in the 27th minute.
DFPP got their 4th goal in the 56th minute to cap off a neatly executed game and a rewarding triumph.
At Friday’s VIS Inc. Welcome Mixer, CEO Alvin Malaykhan reported that 28 teams were down to participate in the tournament, competing in 60 matches, across two fiercely contested championships – Over 40 and Over 50 divisions.
The new additions to the championships were Defense Force, Barataria Alumni, Ballers Forever, and Maaracas Alite.
Malaykhan expressed gratitude for the enduring support from Era Masters and Sunday Krew “who have supported this journey from the beginning.”
He also acknowledged the input from the visiting clubs as “more than just participants…and part of our extended family.”
The VIS Inc. CEO thanked the local players, stating: “Your dedication and passion continue to inspire. This is your home, your platform, and your time. The journey continues – right here.”
[R.A].