MILEROCK FC clinched the championship title in the Banks DIH/Jai Signs Year End Club tournament organised by the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) on New Year’s night.
They secured a commanding 7-3 victory over Capital FC in the final, earning the $1 million winner’s cash prize and trophy. The third-place playoff game witnessed Winners Connection claiming a 4-3 win against Botafago at the Retrieve Hard Court.
Despite the capacity crowd possibly favouring Capital FC , Milerock emerged victorious. In the lead-up to the championship game, Capital FC had impressive wins of 16-3 in the quarterfinal against Coomacka and a 14-10 overtime victory against Botafago FC. However, they couldn’t replicate their success against a solid and composed Milerock team.
The opening period was closely contested, but Milerock took the lead with a beautiful goal from Allan Halley on the left side, making it 1-0 with 7 minutes and 16 seconds remaining in the first half. Milerock extended their lead to 2-0 with a goal from Colwyn Drakes with 4 minutes and 47 seconds left. Emanuel Atkins pulled one back for Capital FC, making it 2-1, but Milerock responded with a goal from Rawle ‘Boney’ Gittens, ending the first half with a 3-1 lead.
Early in the second half, Milerock continued their dominance, scoring two more goals through Drakes and Marcus Tudor, making it 5-1. Despite opportunities on both sides, Milerock maintained control, with Drakes completing his hat-trick for a 6-1 lead. Capital FC managed to score two more goals through Andre Mayers and Tyic McAllister, but Marcus Tudor sealed the victory for Milerock, ending the game with a 7-3 scoreline.
Colwyn Drakes, with his hat-trick, was named the Most Valuable Player, while Neil Kennedy received the Best Goalkeeper award for his outstanding saves. The winner’s trophy was presented to Milerock’s captain, Marcus Tudor, by UDFA President, Wainwright Bethune.
Various cash incentives and trophies were awarded to the winning teams and players, with presentations made by Deputy Mayor of Linden, Dominique Blair, Banks DIH Official, Shawn Grant, UDFA Second Vice-President, Patrick Dey, and Regional Chairman, Deron Adams. Cash incentives for the teams would be handed over later in the week.
