Marchand have had things pretty well their way when it comes to local football, except when it comes to The Blackheart Knockout Football Tournament which they have never won. They won’t win it this year after being knocked out of the competition following Sunday’s quarter final loss to Babonneau at the Beausejour Cricket Ground.
Following quarter final victories Sunday night, Babonneau and one of last year’s losing semi finalists Gros Islet have both booked places in the semi finals of the 2013 Blackheart Knockout Football Tournament.
Babonneau who only entered the tournament through the play off stage, had an exciting 3-2 win over Marchand. They went up 2-0 in the encounter after Danicious
Inglis converted with an overhead kick in the 14th minute and Conscious Willie who found the back of the nets in the 28th minute. However goals from Cleus Griffith in the 33rd minute and Lincoln Phillip in the 35th leveled the score for Marchand while in the 90th minute a strike from Craig Sydney gave Babonneau victory and a place in the semi finals of the competition.
For his performance Inglis was named Bizz’ up Player of the match.
In the other quarter final encounter Sunday evening, Gros Islet booked their semi final spot with a convincing 3-1 over Desruisseaux. National player Eden “Eve” Charles put Gros Islet ahead in the 37th minute, while Chad Flavius equalized for Desruisseaux in the 44th minute.
Elam “Calebos” Joseph with a wonder strike from about 40 yards made it 2-1 for Gros Islet, with Everton Lambert in the 87th minute converting from the penalty spot to put the issue beyond doubt for Gros Islet. The victory gave them a semi-final birth in the competition.
Joseph of Gros Islet was named Bizz’up Player of the Match.
In final round preliminary qualifying action Saturday evening, Mabouya Valley had a two nil win over Vieux Forth North. Their goals came in the 30th and 40th minutes from Wayne “Vincie” Theodule who was named the Bizz’up Player of the match.
Defending champions Dennery had a clinical 3-0 win over Laborie with Winel Felix scoring in the 2nd and 46th minutes, while Nicholas Leon converted in the 78th minute.
For his two goal output Felix was named the Bizz’ up Player of the Match.
Following a two day break the tournament resumes today (Wednesday) with two quarter final matches. From 6:00 pm Dennery comes up against Roseau Valley and at 8:00 pm Mabouya Valley takes on Soufriere. The semi finals of the tournament are scheduled for Saturday August 31 with the Grand Finals scheduled for Saturday September 7.
