THE event marked the return of highly competitive football on the ‘West Side’ since the days of ‘Sweet 16’ and a capacity crowd last Sunday at the Den Amstel ground witnessed the newly formed Slingerz FC defeat the home side, Den Amstel Porknockers, 3-0, to win the inaugural Stag Beer West Side Championship Cup tournament.

With the win, Slingerz FC pocketed the tournament’s top prize of $500 000 while Den Amstel had to settle for $300 000.
The night was given a perfect start as Seawall Football Club got the better of their rivals Uitvlugt 3-2 in an exciting encounter that kept the highly vociferous crowd on the edge throughout the 90-minute clash.
However, the evening belonged to Slingerz Football Club since it was their first-ever outing as a club at an organised competition and, given the fact that they were the tournament’s hosts, losing was not an option.
Several football fans made the trip from the capital city to the West Coast village to join football enthusiasts in the area who once again brought out their drums, showcasing their rich African heritage since Den Amstel was bought by emancipated slaves in 1857.
It was obvious who had the greater crowd support, given the fact that chants of “Den Amstel” were continuous from the time referee Sherwin Moore sounded his ‘Fox40’ to signal the start of the game.
Nonetheless, Slingerz FC seemed the more composed unit and got the go-ahead goal when Dwayne Jacobs squared a well-placed ball on the head of Anthony Harding in the 27th minute to silence the home crowd.
Den Amstel goalkeeper Rondel Hudson fumbled a Jacobs shot in the 45th minute and the eventual tournament’s highest goalscorer awardee Olvis Mitchell scored his first of two goals on the night as Slingerz FC went into the half leading 2-0.
Mitchell completed his double in the 49th minute, this time clearing two Den Amstel defenders with simple dribbling before unleashing a rocket right-foot shot that stalled Hudson in the goal to rest the score at 3-0.
Slingerz FC created chances as the game progressed and so did Den Amstel but Ronson Williams (named Best Goalkeeper) was resolute in-between the uprights for the winners.
Harding was eventually named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament and was awarded with $50 000 and a new 32-inch flat screen television.
Meanwhile, in the opening encounter, a goal each from Mark Boyce (19th minute), Winston Johnson (52nd) and Adami Hoyte (71st) ensured that Seawall Football Club would not only finish third place but also get the $150 000 that accompanied the silverware.
But it was not a walk in the park for Seawall. The vicious Jamaal Harvey’s stroke in the 77th minute rejuvenated the Uitvlugt side and began a comeback that also saw Charles Stoby score in the 78th minute.
Harvey could have gotten an equaliser in the closing seconds but he was denied by the goal post.
The organisers said that they are highly appreciative of the support shown to the tournament and thanked the other competing teams (Stewartville FC, Beavers, Eagles FC and Young Achievers) for their participation.
Stag Beer, Digicel and Hopkinson Mining were the core sponsors with support also coming from Two Brothers Service Station, Double Standard Wash Bay, Nicola’s Bar and Kenrick’s General Store.