For the first time, Canaries played host to the Veterans in Sports Inc Football Tournament and, based on what transpired on Sunday on the playing field, it won’t be the last time. CEO of Veterans in Sports Inc, Alvin Malaykhan, was thrilled with what happened. In an interview following the completion of four games with a huge crowd on hand, he could not have been happier. “I think coming to Canaries was a good decision,” he told me. “The atmosphere, the playing field, surface and the matches we had were excellent. I think it is what veterans football is all about—community football. When you have the community of Canaries supporting veterans football like that, I think it’s something I should have thought about early. I think they [the community] really appreciated this and that is what we want, good development and community involvement.”
Malaykhan gave high praise to all eight teams who played. He couldn’t help but first talk about his own squad, Caricom Masters, who played in the opening game at 2:00pm against VSADC, and said, “Caricom Masters are having a much better season this year.” However, the same could not be said for VSADC who are struggling this season and lost 3-0 to Caricom Masters. The goal scorers were Mathius Jules in the 35th minute, L Earnest in the 39th and Vitalis Jervis in the 64th. In the second game, Anse La Raye defeated Central Vieux Fort 3-2. Goals for the winning side came courtesy of Mervin St Croix (second minute), Greenidge Bishop (46th minute) and Cornelius Adjodhar (78th minute). The goal scorers for Central Vieux Fort were Lynton Sandiford (11th minute) and Jefferson James (18th minute).
In game three between Gros Islet and Marchand (two undefeated teams), nothing was settled with the final score being 1-1. Ian Thomas scored for Gros Islet in the 37th minute, with Alvin Xavier netting the tying goal for Marchand in the 65th minute. Game four saw Soufriere going up against the home team Canaries. In the end, Soufriere prevailed 1-0. That’s it for 2019 when it comes to this football tournament but it’s far from over. There is break in the action but look forward to more excitement when the Veterans in Sports Inc Football Tournament continues on January 11, 2019.
