Pastures take premier division football title… Avenues dethroned

BESCO Pastures did what was necessary, that is, win their final match against System 3, which earned them the 2013 – 2014 premier division of the National Club Championships last Sunday night at the Victoria Park.{{more}}

Levelled on 13 points, both Pastures and System 3 knew they needed to win to lift the title, as the three-time champion Avenues United had already leaped to 15 points, thus reducing the permutations.

The match, however, did not live up to its billing in the earlier stages, as neither team strung enough passes together to cause too much worry to either defence.

But it was System 3 who took the lead in the 39th minute, through veteran Shandel Samuel, who got on the end of a pass, to poke the ball past Pastures’ goalkeeper Egan Dickson.

After the interval, Pastures became energised, throwing players forward at will.

One of Pastures’ forays resulted in a corner kick, which culminated in Dorren Hamlett thumping a header in the 48th minute that restored parity.

Pastures looked the more threatening, while System 3’s engines began to smog.

Such was the calamity of the occasion as miscommunication between System 3’s goalkeeper Kenyon Lynch and Jahvin Sutherland allowed Chad Balcombe to net in the 78th minute and assure Pastures of the title.

Pastures finished on 16 points and will pocket the $10,000 first prize. System 3 placed third with 13 points.

A gleeful Pastures coach Raymond Trimmingham told SEARCHLIGHT following Sunday night’s win: “It is a good feeling…. Last time we were in a similar situation and we messed up… We had more teamwork and had a greater desire to win.”

Pastures came close to be crowned winners of the 2012 edition, needing only a draw in their final match with Avenues, but lost one-nil.

Meanwhile three times champions Avenues had to settle for second this time around, despite playing unbeaten for the fourth championship in succession.

Avenues, in the first match of last night’s double header, strolled past Je Belle 3-nil.

A brace by Myron Samuel in the 79th and 81st minutes, added to Romano Snagg’s item in the 49th minute of play.

Campdonia Chelsea finished fourth with 12 points, as they laced Layou 8-2 on Friday night.

With the club championships now shut down, attention shifts to the inter community league championships which get going next month.(RT)