The recent launch of the 2013 Blackheart Knockout Football Tournament was a stylish and impressive affair. However, the same could not be said for Saturday’s opening ceremony at the Beausejour Cricket Ground which lacked the usual flair commonly associated with this competition.
In games played over the weekend, the clear message seems to be if you are a former national champion you better beware. That’s because former national and Blackheart Champion Micoud, another former national champion Vieux Fort South and several time final four finishers Canaries, have all been booted out of the tournament after the first two days of the competition.
In the tournament’s opening match on Saturday evening, Roseau Valley won over Vieux Fort South 4-2 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time.
Kevin Edward put Vieux Fort South ahead in the 36th minute, with Fabian Raymond equalizing for Roseau Valley in the 63rd minute. Roseau goalkeeper Kevin Antonie was named Bizz’ up Player of the Match.
Also Saturday evening Canaries lost on penalties to Babonneau after a 1-1 draw at regulation and extra time. Dillon Joseph put Babonneau ahead in the fifth minute of the encounter with Leslie Shepherd scoring for Canaries.
The Bizz’ up Player of the Match was Babonneau Goal keeper Alex Joseph.
On Sunday last year’s beaten finalist Soufriere had a hard fought one goal to nil win over South Castries. Eric Francois in the 80th minute was the goal scorer for Soufriere. He was named Bizz’ up Player of the Match.
In the second game of the day’s double header Desruisseaux won over neighbors and arch rivals Micoud in sudden death following a penalty shootout.
They had played to a 2-2 draw during regular and extra time. Kyron Marcellin in the 20th and Guy George in the 76th minute converted for Micoud while Luwanga Willie in the 10th minute and Teran “Olgg” John with a thunderous effort from about 40 yards converted for Desruisseaux.
Teron John was named the Bizz’ up player of the match.
The tournament takes a two day break and resumes Wednesday evening with Mon Repos taking on Marchand from 6:00 p.m and from 8:00 pm Castries takes on Gros Islet. The final preliminary round of matches scheduled for Saturday August 24 when Vieux Fort North takes on Mabouya Valley and defending champions Dennery come up against Laborie.
