Most Valuable Player Niall Reid-Stephen helped University of the West Indies Blackbirds soar to a 3-2 win against Brittons Hill in the inaugural Prime Minister’s Cup final.
The decisive match worth $100, 000 played on Saturday night at Kensington Oval in front of a packed crowd, was as competitive as one would expect as UWI demonstrated resilience and tactical mastery to win the grand prize money and trophy.
The battle for supremacy began during the 8:30 p.m. kickoff of the final when Brittons Hill, coached by Richard Forde, came out with intensity, putting UWI under pressure and forcing them to trail for the first time in the tournament.
In the 38th minute, striker Corey Hoyte capitalised on a defensive lapse, weaving past defenders with remarkable dribbling skills before producing a clinical finish past UWI’s standout goalkeeper, Shaquon Phillips.
UWI’s talisman and midfielder Reid-Stephen, responded brilliantly just four minutes later with a spectacular strike. Receiving a precise ball on the left flank, Reid-Stephen sprinted past his marker and only needed one touch to slot it out of the reach of Brittons Hill goalkeeper Kerry Holder to level the score at 1-1 before halftime.
The teams adjusted their strategies. Brittons Hill made an early substitution, bringing on Jermaine Forde at the beginning of the second half in place of Jafari Watson. Meanwhile, UWI also shuffled their lineup to bolster their attack. The intermittent rain made the outfield slippery, testing the players’ ball control and balance.
Brittons Hill almost regained the lead through former national striker Arantees Lawrence, whose free kick from just outside the 18-yard box rattled the crossbar before being saved by Phillips. Phillips and Holder proved their mettle with crucial saves throughout the game.
UWI’s captain, Zion Gollop, received the game’s first yellow card for a reckless challenge on Brittons Hill striker Rommell Bynoe. Brittons Hill’s defense, led by captain Nogzi Reid, worked tirelessly to contain Reid-Stephen, often doubling up on him.
The scores were locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes and the match headed into extra time. UWI seized control in the first half of the extended period. Midfielder Jaron Oughterson put the Blackbirds ahead in the 97th minute with a superb low strike to the bottom-left corner of the net. Four minutes later, Romario Drakes extended UWI’s lead, capitalising on a defensive lapse to make it 3-1.
Brittons Hill fought back valiantly and in the dying moments of extra time (120+1), Sheran Hoyte found the back of the net, giving his side a glimmer of hope. However, it was too little, too late.
Referee Jamar Springer’s whistle signaled the end of the match and the beginning of jubilant celebrations for UWI. The Blackbirds, coached by Fabian Massiah, showcased their dominance and depth, with standout performances from Reid-Stephen, Oughterson, and goalkeeper Phillips, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Goalkeeper.
The victory capped an undefeated campaign for UWI, who now stand as champions of the inaugural Prime Minister’s Cup, while runners-up Brittons Hill earned plaudits for their spirited performance and resilience.
Reid-Stephen, named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, reflected on the triumph: “It feels amazing to win this title. I still cannot believe it. We came out, fought hard, and since this is my last game in Barbados, I am really happy about it.”
Coach Massiah commended his players for their determination: “Brittons Hill had their moments where they had us under some pressure but the guys stayed firm and we continued to believe in our system of play.”
Besides Reid-Stephen and Phillips winning individual prizes, Ellerton Club top players Rashad Jules won most goals and central defender Jadon Goodridge captured the young player of the tournament award.
Prior to the big final, the much anticipated Legends match between Barbados XI and Caribbean XI ended 1-1. (AS)
Source: politics.einnews.com…
Leave a Reply