Kuru Kururu Warriors upset Diamond United; Grove Hi Tech blast Soesdyke Falcons

THE Linden Soesdyke Highway-based Kuru Kururu Warriors created the first upset of the CULT-sponsored East Bank Football Association Under-17 League on Saturday at the Grove playfield, erasing a 1-0 deficit to defeat Diamond United in the feature game.Yesterday’s opening encounter saw home team Grove Hi Tech, led by a helmet-trick from Joel Dick and a double each from Threvon Pluck and captain Trevor Jones, hammer Soesdyke Falcons 12-0 in a lopsided affair.
Diamond United went into the game against Kuru Kururu Warriors as favourites to win, especially since it was the first competitive junior game for the Warriors this season.
The lack of cohesiveness did show for the highway-based side in the first half as Diamond established themselves, taking the lead in the process through a 19th minute strike from Daniel Melville.
The Warriors did show at times glimpses of individual understanding of the game and as the game progressed, they came into their own to the extent that they shocked the Diamond side. They earned the equaliser when one of their players was brought down in the area, Brian Daniels making no mistake in finding the back of the net.
The Warriors’ bench, including the coaching staff, was actually in a huddle when the penalty kick was being taken and erupted in celebrations when Daniels scored as if they had won the championship.
Pressure was now on Diamond to stave off the Warriors and they did not succeed in this regard. In the 64th minute, Joshua Grant inked his name on the score sheet for the first time when he lashed in the winning goal for Kuru Kururu Warriors enabling them to start their campaign at this level on a high.
It was easy sailing for Grove Hi Tech, the reigning Trophy Stall Under-15 champions. Soesdyke Falcons did look a bit rusty and were not able to catch their length against the rampaging home team.
Joel Dick led the goal party with four goals, netting in the 13th, 43rd, 47th and 52nd minutes. Threvon Pluck netted a brace, he found the back of the net in the 25th and 50th minutes; his captain Trevor Jones also netted twice, in the 53rd and 61st minutes.
There was one apiece for Antone Stanton (26th), Kevin Padmore (64th), Alwyne Haynes (66th) and Marvin Squires in the 68th minute.
Action will continue this Saturday at the same venue with two more matches.