Ansa McAl /EDFA U-17 League...BV Triumph United are champs following penalty thriller against Buxton United

Ansa McAl /EDFA U-17 League…BV Triumph United are champs following penalty thriller against Buxton United

Apr 07, 2014 Sports

Tournament MVP, highest goal scorer (14) and Captain, Romario Welcome, marshaled his troops admirably to guide BV Triumph United to championship glory in the Ansa McAl sponsored East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) Under-17 League final on Saturday evening at the Buxton Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara.

EDFA President Aubrey Hutson hands over the winner’s trophy to BV Triumph United Captain Romario Welcome in the presence of his teammates and other EDFA Executive Members.

When the two sides met in the group stage of the competition which attracted ten clubs in two groups of five, BVTU ran away with a three goal advantage at the half way mark but Buxton struck back in like manner in the second half to draw the game.
So it was no surprise that the final went down to the wire with penalty kicks required to decide the champions; BV keeping their nerves to win 4-3, the home team missing two of their kicks. In regulation time, it was BV that took the early lead through the charismatic and inspirational Romario Welcome who struck in the 35th minute.
Buxton hit back almost immediately when Delon Wright hit the network in the 37th minute. Wright was smart in his execution as he looped the ball over the goalkeeper’s head against the consistent Atlantic sea breeze.
Neither team were able to find the back of the nets again as the game ended 1-1. Penalty kicks were taken immediately after. Scoring from the spot for the winners were Kurt Abrams, Paul Kingston, Ian Dooker and Donald Evans.
For Buxton United, Yohan Armstrong, Demetry Grant and Jeremiah Thorne were on target, those missing their shots were Sven Anthony and Steffon Gibson.
The third place encounter was also exciting between Golden Stars and Ann’s grove, the former won eventually by a 2-1 margin. Ablamy Robertson (8th) and Emeil Daniels (60th) were on target for Golden Stars; Shamar Barry netted Ann’s Grove’s consolation goal from the penalty spot.
Golden Stars custodian Dexter Noel was adjudged the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Trophies, gold, silver and bronze medals were presented to the top three teams with fourth place attracting a trophy. Winners of the individual awards received a medal and trophy.
EDFA President Aubrey Hutson, in remarks before the presentation, congratulated all the teams for participating whilst encouraging the players to ensure they pursue their education and strive for that balance that will enable them to be eligible for scholarships.
Hutson also thanked Ansa McAl for their continued support for the game. Organising Secretary Joseph Wilson gave a brief overview of the tournament pointing out that a total of 58 goals were scored in the 24 games that were played. The competition got underway on March 1st.
Wilson also informed that the EDFA will be running off an Under-13 competition in August and one at the Under-20 level in July. An Under-15 tournament will also be held.
Meanwhile, a 23-man squad was shortlisted along with three coaches to commence training for the Guyana Football Federation Inter Association tournament.