Crystal Cove top their class

 

Crystal Cove are the first team to qualify for the next round of the 2016 Barbados Commercial League Festival of Football and have passed the test with flying colours. Playing over this past weekend at the Bagatelle ground, the defending champions filled their quota of preliminary games to complete the first round without dropping any points.

 

Going into their fifth game in Group A, last year’s winners were already well ahead of the rest of the pack and closed out the round with a two-one win over Crane Resorts on Saturday night. The encounter was the most highly-anticipated one of the night as both teams were unbeaten up to that point. Also adding to the excitement was the fact that goals were recorded for both teams in the 14th minute of the exchange. For Crystal Cove, it was Renako Thompson, while Ryan Stuart rocked the nets for Crane. However, that would be as far as Crane’s luck would go and Azarel Croney netted the game-winner for Crystal Cove in the 34th.

 

Also playing on the night, Brydens-Stokes picked up some much-needed points to see them into third place in Group A. Going up against Massy Distribution, Brydens-Stokes got off the mark first in the 12th minute compliments a Damian Smith goal. A penalty kick from Brenton Stewart in the 25th saw Massy drawing level, but Brydens-Stokes pulled away a second time two minutes later. Michael Headley found the nets to secure the lead again. Another Michael, this time a Bushell, evened up things with his 40th-minute goal. In the end, Brydens-Stokes would have the final say as Anson Burrowes scored a third goal for his team in the 45th.

 

SMJ Cool Runnings got a leg up on the current Group leaders Queen Elizabeth Hospital with a one-goal win on the night. QEH were held to their first loss of the season after Mario Williams scored the only goal of the game in the 15th minute of the clash. The evening’s other game saw Cockspur and Courts breaking even after a one-all result. Courts netted first through Jamal Griffith in the 42nd, but Cockspur had their rebuttal from Anthony Haynes in the 45th. On Sunday, QEH recovered from the previous night’s loss and got back to their winning ways with a default victory over Rotherley Construction. Chickmont Foods were also the recipient of free points as they too had a walk-over against Massy Stores Supermarket.

 

The woes continued for Sandy Lane Hotel as they were held to their third loss of the season by National Petroleum Corporation. Unable to score a single goal in the exchange, Sandy Lane gave up two to Tyson Bourne who netted in the 16th and 37th. Lucky Horseshoe edged out the Sanitation Service Authority when the two sides met up. SSA were out the blocks early, scoring in the 12th and 14th minutes through Mario Farrell and Kemar Headley. However, Lucky Horseshoe fought from the back and leveled up with goals from Paul Brathwaite (15th) and Jamario Worrell (17th) before Worrell added a third in the 48th.

 

The competition continued last night at the Bagatelle ground and games continue each night till Thursday.