… to play Mid Section Lions in Final on June 21
THE annual Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Inter-Block football competition continued at the Victoria Community Centre ground last Sunday.

Two semi-final games were set to be played. However, only one match came off.

Mid Section Lions gained a walkover from Road Front Elephants, who turned up late with an under-strength team and decided not to play, since they were not in contention for a place in the final.

The Elephants had lost one of their matches and the other was a no-result after they had protested for an offside which was blown against them in the match against Backdam Super Eagles.

In the feature match which started at 16:30 h tournament ‘Giant Killers’ Belfield Tigers stunned Backdam Super Eagles 2-1 in a tough encounter as both teams displayed their qualities and skills.

The Eagles, whose supporters out-numbered the Tigers, started off at a very hot pace from the first whistle but Marlis Johnson’s powerful right-foot shot went over the bar after he received a beautiful pass from Dwayne Marks in the 18-yard box. Marks himself missed a clear chance in the 12th minute as his header hit the crossbar.

As things got into full swing the Tigers started to demonstrate their skills and it paid off when Aubrey Gibson, the tournament’s leading goalscorer, headed home from a corner in the 24th minute to give the Tigers a lead.

This forced the Eagles to make some adjustments as Premier League player Samuel Blackette was pushed into the midfield to create more opportunities for the Backdam boys who looked desperate.

This move also paid dividends as Blackette penetrated the middle along with skipper Andrew Holder. However, poor finishing by strikers Marks and Johnson let them down. At halftime the score remained at 1-0 in favour of the Belfield Tigers.

After the break the Tigers made two changes, Eon Cameron came in for Lowattie Holder and Trevor Fraser came in for George Colin Hope. The Tigers should have increased the lead in the 54th minute but Rollox Gouveia’s shot hit the bar, as the Tigers raided the Eagles in the process forcing a few brilliant saves from goalkeeper Ron Collins.

But the Eagles never gave up and they were rewarded in the 70th minute when Marlis Johnson finished professionally beating defender Kempton Williams and goalkeeper Richard Prior with a well-placed shot to his right.

Aubrey Gibson took his tally of goals to 4 when he beat substitute keeper Marlon Marks with a powerful header in the 81st minute after he had received a cross from national Under-20 player Donald Lutchman.

When the referee blew the final whistle, the Tigers’ supporters, who are mainly from the Belfield New Scheme, celebrated in different styles.

The final is set for this Sunday at the same venue. Before the final, Georgetown Women will take on Victoria Kings Women from 15:00 h. The final begins at 16:30 h.