Five and counting! Don’t bet against them. After all, winning four Blackheart Knockout Football championships was a tall order, but Vieux Fort South (VFS) achieved just that last Saturday evening at the Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort.
VFS defeated Micoud 3-1 in the final before a large crowd who occupied every nook and cranny of the stadium to witness another night of history in the making for VFS. Just as they did in the semi-final, VFS got the jump on their opponent when Noah Nicholas opened the scoring in the 8th minute. Another goal by Antonio Joseph in the 23rd minute put them ahead 2-0 at the half.
Down two goals and being soundly outplayed in the first half, Micoud could have thrown in the towel but they never gave up and got back in the game when Kyran Mathurin made good on a penalty kick, making it 2-1. Micoud had their chances to even the score. However, a late goal by Jervick McFarlane put the game out of reach, giving VFS a 3-1 win.
Commenting on the game, VFS Coach Uriah Samuel said: “I like the fight. From the word ‘go’ everyone was programmed and ready, and they executed, and look at the results now.” VSF having won this competition four consecutive years, I asked him how likely a fifth win would be. He replied: There is always room for improvement. You know, it can always happen. We have young guys here; as long as they stay together, we should be all right.”
I asked VFS Captain Jamil Joseph how this championship compares with the rest. “Well, this one was a tough fight,” he said. “We had to work hard because all the teams were coming after us. They thought we were complacent because we won three already and would not win the fourth one, so it was a challenge for us, but we came through again as champions.”
CEO of Blackheart Productions, David “Shakes” Christopher, congratulated VFS on their victory and said: “Four in a row is history, and I don’t know who’s going to beat this team. They are starting to age like wine. The longer they stay together, they get better and better. ”Preceding the final was the third place play-off. Mabouya Valley prevailed over Marchand 3-2. Nick Mondesir led the way for the winning side with a hat trick. Ferguson St Claire and Jnai Lesmond were the goal scorers for Marchand.
After the final, the following awards were presented: Best Coach, Carlus Monchery (Deruisseaux); Fastest Goal, Antonio Joseph (VFS); Most Spectacular Goal, Dius David (Mabouya Valley); Best Goalkeeper, Marcus Marquis (Desruisseaux); Best Defender, Sarn Savery (VFS); Best Midfielder, Gregson President (VFS); Top Goal Scorer, Nick Mondesir (Mabouya Valley); Fair Play Trophy (Central Castries); Tournament MVP, Antonio Joseph (VFS).
For placing first, VFS received the championship trophy, medals and a cheque for $30,000. In second place, Micoud received a trophy, medals and a cheque for $10,000. Mabouya Valley, in third place, received a trophy, medals and a cheque for $5,000.
