Buxton United FC is new K&S Football kings

Jan 03, 2013 Sports

Cart off Lion’s share of prizes

They started their journey as the underdogs; the most unlikely to cart off the honours but when the smoke had cleared, Buxton United FC emerged as champions, defeating Amelia’s Ward on sudden death penalty kicks when the finals of the 23rd edition of the K&S football extravaganza concluded at the National Stadium Providence, Tuesday evening last.
Apart from the $4M first place prize, the Buxtonians carted off the lion’s share of the prizes after their Captain, Dwayne Jacobs was adjudged Most Valuable Player and drove off with the 2200CC Toyota Alex motorcar donated by Beharry Auto Sales.
The Buxtonians were not finished yet as their coach, Herbert McPherson, was singled out for his coaching prowess and won the 110CC motorcycle on offer.

Buxton Skipper Dwayne Jacobs gets a big hug from Co-Organiser Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major as the East Coast team prepares to collect the trophy from Sports Minister Frank Anthony.

Jacobs’ achievement was most deserving following the expertise employed in piloting his men to the top. He has also been the lynchpin of his team’s successes that led to major upsets of powerhouses, Western Tigers FC and Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United in their quarterfinals and semifinal encounter.
Jacobs continued his quintessential role from the first whistle of the Amelia Ward game when he was fed a dolly of a pass from the centre. He intercepted the ball just outside the box but failed to make the conversion.
The dependable, Michael Phyll, best remembered for his game saving strike against Western Tigers, presented Jacobs with another opportunity shortly afterwards but Amelia Ward’s custodian, Odel Allicock, was on top of his game and averted any disaster. The Buxtonians were very persistent and during the early exchanges several of their players rose to the occasion including Pierre Joseph and Clive Andries. Their efforts dwindled to naught after staunch defensive tactics from the Linden team. The nil all score line at the intermission was indicative of the fierce rivalry.
Both teams approached the second session with new resolve and Keon Norville could consider himself unlucky after skillfully dribbling past the Amelia Ward’s defence cordon and unleashing a mighty kick which the goalie managed to scoop up.
Both teams enjoyed glorious moments with the Amelia Ward’s strike force constantly invading the Buxton’s half. Buxton’s custodian, Jason Cromwell earned his keep between the uprights with several valiant saves.
Amelia Ward’s striker Trenton Lashley could rue his luck after receiving a pass while all alone with the goalie. Maybe out of anxiety or he might have been thrown off by the advancing Cromwell, resulting in a skewed strike that sailed over the uprights. Keoma Sullivan was also guilty of much haste after he mistimed a kick and sent the ball wide of the goal.
As the minutes ticked away, the players became involved in a frenzy of activity with each team attempting to seize the initiative. It was around this time that Oswald Benjamin received a yellow card after aggressively approaching the goalkeeper.
Both teams then upped the ante, each attempting to surge ahead. It was a tough and spirited battle but the final whistle intervened and kept them at a nil all stalemate.

Buxton Captain Dwayne Jacobs collects the Championship trophy from Minister Frank Anthony (left) while his teammates and Organisers Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major (left) and Kashif Muhammad (right) share the moment.

Extra time failed to break the deadlock and penalty kicks ended on a 4-4 stalemate presenting a sudden death scenario where the Buxtonians prevailed.
Alpha United regrouped after their humiliating 2-1 loss to the eventual winners when they inflicted a 3-1 drubbing over arch-rivals Pele FC in their third place playoff game.
Kithson Bain scored in the 39th minute for the winners while prolific striker, Dwight Peters netted a double in the 50th, from the penalty spot, and the 74th minutes. Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson scored a consolation goal in the 45th minute for Pele. Amelia’s Ward will get $1M while Alpha receives $750,000 and the team finishing fourth, Pele receives $500,000.