Forde hits hat-trick as Banks take title; no third place fixture
DELLON Forde struck a hat-trick as host Banks DIH defeated Grove Hi-Tech 4-1 to win the East Bank Football Association (EBFA)-organised, Banks DIH-sponsored Coca Cola Premier League competition at the Banks DIH Thirst Park ground, Wednesday night. However, to the dismay of those who turned up to witness the night’s action, including Banks DIH Sales and Marketing Manager Carlton Joao, Coca Cola Brand Manager Jennifer Khan and Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart, no third-place match was played.
According to the fixture, Kuru Kururu Lions and Timehri Panthers were scheduled to meet, but with both teams fine-tuning their preparations for this year’s Kashif and Shanghai tournament, they refused to risk injuries in the game which they described as not so important on their calendar.
What is left to be seen, however, is the action taken by the EBFA against these two teams, since one official who opted to remain anonymous, said the president took it on his own to consent to the request of the two clubs, without the approval of his executive body.
Meanwhile, in the final, Banks DIH dominated the proceedings from the opening whistle against their opponents, who will also be participating in the 22nd edition of the Kashif and Shanghai tournament.
Forde found the back of the net in the 29th and 42nd minutes, to ensure the home team took the lemon-time whistle with a 2-0 lead.
Six minutes into the second half John Matthews reduced the deficit to one goal, when he placed the ball around the Banks DIH custodian, much to the delight of his teammates and their supporters, who had gathered at the venue and were offering lots of vocal support.
The red-and-black-clad Banks DIH team were not fazed by Matthews’ goal, as they made several raids on the East Bank Demerara-based team, whose defence offered little or no support to their midfield and forward line.
It was no surprise when Forde eluded his two markers and rocked the back of the net in the 71st minute with a scorcher that had goal written all over it. And in a show of being a team player, he found an unmarked Peter Parks who made it 4-1 three minutes later, after eluding a collision with the Hi-Tech custodian.
The host team should have made it 5-1 when they were awarded a penalty, after Kevin Alleyne committed his second bookable offence in the box.
Grove Hi-Tech’s replaced custodian Michael Matthews was equal to the task and saved the ensuing spot kick; but at that time, the writing was on the wall for the eventual second-place finishers.
The presentation of prizes will be done at a date to be announced later by the EBFA.