Photo capturing a tackle moment between Hill Top and Hoppers.
New Warriors Cup champions will be crowned this year as debutants Hill Top and Swetes earned the right to contest the prestigious final after coming away with semi-final wins on Sunday in the Cool & Smooth Men’s Championship Cup at the English Harbour Playing Field.
Hill Top upstaged their Grays Green rivals and first winners of the trophy, Hoppers, 5-3 on penalties following 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.
Swetes did it less dramatically, defeating another newcomer, Jennings Grenades, 2-1 in the second semi-final.
Akeem Weekes became the tournament’s top marksman when he hooked home what turned out to be the winner on 56 minutes to record his eighth goal and sent Swetes in the championship game on either Saturday or Sunday.
Weekes’ strike came after Ika Codrington had cancelled out John-Jean Jarvis 14th minute strike. Jarvis struck a sumptuous left-footer when he cut in from the angle of the penalty area to beat the diving goalkeeper into the ‘V’.
Codrington restored parity seven minutes after the break as he latched onto a through ball to slot in. Then Weekes settled the issue as he steered a bouncing ball inside the area into the top corner.
Kevorn Browne had put Hill Top in front midway in the first period by steering a low shot into the far corner from close range.
Jamal Stevens equalized just before half-time when he pushed home from two yards after he was set up nicely.
Hoppers missed a golden opportunity to win the game but captain Tony Thomas, who scored six goals in the competition, placed his spot kick, awarded for a handball infringement with about two to go, onto the post.
In the ensuing penalty shoot-out, Hill Top first five penalty takes – Yafu Lake, Tavin Crump, Omarlie Henry, Jomo Andrew, Hansel Samuel – make no mistake unlike Hoppers’ Omega Jeffery whose effort was saved by Randy Nicholas.
Thomas had made amends in the shoot-out and along with Kendell Pennyfeather and Kareem Wilson.
Organizers say the final will be played either Saturday or Sunday depending on the draw for the FA Cup which is scheduled to start on Sunday.
Meantime, G-Warriors won their first game in the Female Championship of the Warriors Cup 2011 by defeating Lady Hoppers 2-1 on Sunday thanks to goals from guest players, Melissa Hall and Britney Jacobs. Argell London had equalized for Lady Hoppers who were held to a 1-1 draw by Star Girls on Saturday.
London’s fourth goal of the competition cancelled out Kitanya Hughes fist-half effort for Star Girls.
Action in the female tournament continues this weekend.
NAME: Anne Jonas TEL: +1 268 562 1675/1680 FAX: +1 268 562 - 1681 EMAIL: oms.abgov@gmail.com or: oms.abgov@gmail.com ADDRESS: Office of the Minister of State: Sports, Local Government & Special Projects
Cassada Gardens
St. John's
