Gros Islet are Blackheart Big Eight Champs

The preliminary round of the Blackheart Big Eight tournament lived up to all the hype and excitement, with some disappointment along the way, as 10 goals were scored on the opening day. The knockout leg played on Saturday, September 7 at the Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort produced some interesting results. Canaries, playing true to form, defeated Dennery 2–0, both goals scored by David Henry. 

Roseau continued their impressive form, coming from behind with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Marchand. Romiel Felix had given the Island Cup defending champions an early lead in the first half. However, two unanswered goals by Nilan Williams and Brendon Modeste enabled Roseau to advance to the semi-finals.

The third match of the day saw Gros Islet (who have picked up some momentum in the last couple of weeks) making light work of Mabouya Valley to defeat them 3–0. Their goals came from Aramis Lorde, with a brace, and from Eden Charles.

Desruisseaux came into their own to defeat Central Castries 2–0, with goals by Brad Bideau and Kivany Moncherie. The resultant semi-finals at the same venue on Sunday, September 8 pitted Canaries against Roseau Valley, and Gros Islet against Desruisseaux.

In the first semi-final, Canaries, looking like a team on a mission, defeated Roseau 4–1 to march on into the finals. Once again, David Henry was on the score sheet with two goals.

In the second semi-final Desruisseaux and Gros Islet played to an exciting 2–2 draw. However, in the penalty kick shootout, Gros Islet advanced 5–4 to set a clash with Canaries in the finals.

In the grand finals Gros Islet got into their stride very early with a goal by Aramis Lorde in the 5th minute. Ten minutes later Nicholas Taliban Lawrence broke through on the left flank to put Gros Islet up 2–0. Canaries refused to go down without a fight and their perseverance resulted in Gros Islet conceding an own goal to make it 2–1. 

Canaries went all out in search of the equalizer but Gros Islet kept them at bay. The match ended 2–1, with Gros Islet becoming champions of the Black Heart Big Eight competition.