Adrian Frater, News Editor
Hanover Masters' Flaize Warren (left) battles for possession of the ball with Challenger's Patrick Stewart (right) in Sunday's Busta/Steve Bucknor Western Masters League final in Montego Bay. Hanover Masters won the game 2-1. - ADRIAN FRATER/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WESTERN BUREAU:
HANOVER MASTERS added another chapter to their dominance of the Busta/Steve Bucknor Western Masters Football League on Sunday when they copped their sixth consecutive title with a 2-1 sudden-death extra-time win over Challenger in the 2006 final at the UDC playing field in Montego Bay.
In what was a most entertaining showdown, Challenger took an early second-half lead through Winston Brown and seemed poised to win the game. However, Hanover equalised on the verge of full-time through a Devon Rickettes strike, which sent the game into extra-time.
Hanover Masters got their all-important goal in the second period of extra-time when a cracking left-footed volley by Delroy Brown crashed into the goal, making the final score 2-1.
"It was a most entertaining game and I am sure the fans enjoyed it," said Dr. Clive McKenzie, the manager/coach of the Hanover team. "Our victory today is a tribute to the character of the team and our never-say-die attitude."
In an exciting first half, Challenger dominated the action but failed to capitalise on the chances they created. Hanover got one great opportunity towards the end of the half but Rickettes failed to finish. The half ended 0-0.
Down into second-half play, Challenger took the lead in the 56th minute. Brown (Winston) broke free before with goal and with goalkeeper Stennett Saams at his mercy, he directed his neat shot into the goal, making the score 1-0.
With Challenger pressing forward and their title under serious threat, the Hanover team went into overdrive as they went all out in search of the equaliser. They were rewarded four minutes from full-time when Rickettes pounced on a lofted cross and sent a looping header over the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Bradley Kerr, making the score 1-1.
In the sudden-death extra-time phase, which the competition's steering committee has retained as part of their rules, Challenger all but won the game in the first period when Winston Henry dribbled around goalkeeper Saams but his close-range shot struck the upright and rebounded into play.
Brown (Delroy) had much better luck for Hanover in the second period when he pounced on a loose ball just outside the penalty area and fired powerfully past a bewildered goalkeeper Bradley Kerr, making the final score 2-1.
In the presentation ceremony, which followed the game, the following awards were handed out:
The Busta Champion Trophy and Steve Bucknor Trophy - Hanover Masters
The Busta Good Performance Trophy for second place - Challenger
The Patrick Wellington Best Goalkeeper Trophy - Stennett Saams
The Donald Findlayson Best Midfielder Trophy - Lincoln Brown
The Winston Anglin MVP Trophy - Phillip Wong
Allan Dexter Top Goal-Scorer - Devon Rickettes (19 goals)
Horace Foster Most Discipline Team - Infernal.
