Grenada take WIFA women’s football title… SVG fade to last

Grenada, last Sunday, completed an unbeaten run in the Senior Women’s Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA) Football Tournament, which ended here at the Victoria Park.

But, Grenada’s fortunes meant that host St Vincent and the Grenadines were not able to hold on to the title for another year, having won in 2015 and repeated last year.

The Vincentians’ defence of the title began with a 0-1 loss to Grenada last week Wednesday, which set the tone for Grenada’s success.

On that same night, Barbados got past St Lucia 2-1.

Round two, played last Friday, saw both matches ending in draws. Grenada and St Lucia tied it up 1-1, and it was the same scoreline when SVG hosted guest team Barbados.

The meant that either Grenada or Barbados could have copped the tournament.

Barbados got off to a 2-0 lead, thanks to goals from Riana Cyrus and Kimberley Ellis.

Merissa Charles pulled one back for Grenada to end the first half 2-1 in favour of Barbados.

Coie Smith levelled the match in the 62nd minute, and left it all to Roneisha Frank to score in the dying stages of injury time to spark wild celebrations from the Grenadians.

St Vincent and the Grenadines then had an opportunity to take the runner-up spot, with a defeat over St Lucia, but did not have enough to make this a reality.

SVG got an early spark from Arima Franklyn, who scored in the 18th minute, but St Lucia replied with strikes from Ketina Joseph (24th) and Ellaisa Marquis ( 30th and 40th) minutes, to end the half 3-1.

But Samantha Carrington got a fortuitous goal from a free kick in the 53rd and Franklyn added a second in the 58th, to tie the match 3-3.

However, despite the many forays made by both teams, neither could change the score sheet.Barbados, therefore took the second spot with 4 points; St Lucia – third with 2 points and SVG – fourth, also 2 points.

In the presentation ceremony which followed, Grenada’s Roneisha Franklyn was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Taking away the award for the youngest player was 14-year-old Grenadian Shanian Johnson.

SVG’s Attica Benn was voted the best goalkeeper, with Barbadian Shonna Evelyn, the best defender.

St Lucia’s Elliasa Marquis was listed as the best midfielder. Marquis added another accolade, as she was equal on three goals with Grenada’s Sherenda Charles, with the two sharing the award for the most goals.

Also presented on the night were the teams’ MVPs.

The recipients were Felicia Jarvis – Barbados, Ailisha Charles – Grenada, Elliasa Marquis – St Lucia and Roxanne Hannaway – St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) stepped in to host the tournament, which had been set for Grenada.

Dominica, which hosted last year’s tournament, could participate this year, because they are still in recovery mode, following the passage of Hurricane Maria in September.