By VINO
Islanders are the 2016 Terry Evans Cup Champions. They overcame Sugar Boys in a penalty shootout at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds on May 8, 2016. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
Islanders F.C. held their nerve to win a penalty shootout, 8-7, against Sugar Boys on Sunday May 8, 2016 and lifted the Terry Evans Knock Out Cup Championship in front of a large crowd at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds in Road Town, Tortola.
Kevin Fahie eventually broke the deadlock in the tense final between two evenly matched teams, when he latched on to a cross in the 63rd minute to fire home.
The lead, though, lasted just seven minutes as Roger Roberts broke through the Islanders line of defense to outpace everyone and smash home a drive.
Both teams had chances to win the game outright, but with the goal keepers at either end in imperious form, no further goals came and it was down to a penalty shoot out to decide the 2016 Terry Evans Champion.
The Islanders saw their first effort well saved but recovered and then, when it mattered most, a Sugar Boys’ effort went high, wide and handsome of the cross bar and the Islanders began to celebrate.
“Both teams played really well today,” commented Islanders Captain, Any Davis. “It took penalties to separate us in the end, which was not what we had planned at the start, but it was a good game, great to be back playing 11 a side on the A.O. Shirley. Although it will take some getting used to again, the fans were able to see what they have been missing and I’m sure all the players will work harder now to ensure the level of play and competition just gets better and better.”
Avondale Williams was named as Finals MVP and Thomas Albert the Golden Boot Winner.
The Ladies Cup went the way of Ballstars, who narrowly overcame Panthers 2-1 in another strength sapping contest played in eleven a side format.
The lady Ballstars receive their championship trophy from Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO
Philia James opened the scoring in the 19th minute after a long run from Sharlene Pond, who was named later MVP. Heather Watson leveled the tie in the 34th minute, but in the second half and against the run of play, Pond popped up to score the winner after a quick, free kick found her in space on the edge of the box.
“It was a very tough game, but we stuck together, worked hard and played Ballstars football to hold on to the win,” said James. “Our more experienced players are showing the youngsters the way to play as a team and that sometimes you have to be able to play in different positions depending on the opposition you are up against. The Panthers are a much improved team and gave us a good run for the money today, but we are the Ballstars and just about had enough in reserve to come home with the win.”
Sapphire Flax was named as Golden Boot Winner.
Next up is the Wendoll Williams Cup which begins on May 22, 2016, after a short break and a Fundraising trip by the Virgin Gorda Community Football Association to St Maarten.
