PELICANS HUNT MASTERS LEAGUE DOUBLE AT NCBCM CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Park Rovers Masters have displayed fine form on the road to the 2007 NCB Capital Markets Masters League final. Rovers finished 4th in Zone A, defeated mid-season finalist, Barbican, 2-0 in the quarter-finals, and progressed to the championship final 4-2 on penalties at the expense of Thunderbolts of St. Catherine.
Peter Cargill Cup champions, Pelicans of UWI, are huge favorites to capture the 2007 NCB Capital Markets Masters League title over underdogs Park Rovers at the championship final on Saturday, September 29, at the Harbour View Stadium. Game time is 4:00 pm.
The Rovers booked their place in the final by defeating Thunderbolts 4-2 on penalties after the score was level 1-1 after extra time. Gary Wiggam scored for Rovers in the 21st minute, and Michael Johnson equalized for Bolts in the 62nd minute. Pelicans marched into the final when they humbled St. George's 3-0. Winston Campbell opened the scoring for the Pelicans in the 8th minute with a well taken volley, Dean Smith scored the goal of the game with a left-footed volley in the 20th minute, and Marlon Small completed the 3-0 rout in the 66th minute.
Pelicans Masters have established themselves as the best team in the 2007 NCB Capital Markets Masters League (after being the worst team in 2006), and are the only undefeated team of the 26 participants. The high flying Pelicans will be very hard to beat, especially with Roger Coleman being absent from the Park Rovers line-up.
A very competitive and exciting final is expected as both Rovers and Pelicans have played good consistent football all season, and are indeed worthy cup finalists. Pelicans have dominated the League this season with an undefeated record of 13-2-0, while Rovers are 10-1-3 in their quest for the 2007 title.
The Pelicans attack will be led by the player of the season, striker Roan Rousseau, who is on top of his game, and seems on course to cap the scoring title and also the MVP award. Both Rousseau and 2006 MVP and golden boot winner, Kenneth Ellis of St. George's, are tied for the scoring title with 13 goals each. Pelicans also have former national, Andrew "Bowa" Hines, in central defense, and he has enjoyed an outstanding season. And, the Pelicans goalkeeper, Derrick "Danny Fly" Grant, has emerged as the safest custodian in the league having conceded only 5 goals so far.
Avril Cargill, the widow of former national coach, Peter Cargill, son, David, daughter, Yanique, and Tanya Powell, the regional manager of league sponsors, NCB Capital Markets, greet Barbican players before the start of the 2007 NCBCM Mid Season Final last Saturday at Barbican Oval.
Although they are underdogs to win the title, Park Rovers have shown that they are quite capable of withstanding any challenge, and a repeat of the form that saw them rack-up back-to-back wins against Barbican and thunderbolts, will make the Rovers very hard to beat. However, the Rovers attack have revolved around their midfield ace, Roger Coleman, who picked-up a yellow card in the semi-final against Thunderbolts, and will be ineligible for the championship final on Saturday. Rovers midfielder, Cary Wiggan, will be called upon to fill the attacking void left by Coleman's absence.
The Pelicans championship final squad: Keith Allen, Courtney Brooks, Winston Campbell, Mervin, Cleghorn, Dave Davis, Christopher Ferguson, Derrick Grant, Mark Hamilton, Andrew Hines, Donald Hogarth, Peter Johnson, Francois Lee, Allan Lewis, Delton Manning, Arnold McDonald, Leighton McKnight, Patrick McLean, Donald Moore, Glenford Morris, Donovan Murray, Michael Neita, Barry Pettigrew, Marshall Redwood, Vincent Riley, Mark Robinson, Wayne Robinson, Rohan Rousseau, Raffic Shaw, Marlon Small, Pete Smith, Dean Smith, Richard Thomas, Anthony Tullonge, Denzil Wilks, Howard Straw (Coach), and Andrew Reid (Manager).
The Park Rovers championship final squad: Maurice Beckles, Kapel Clarke, Lynden Clarke, Roger Coleman, Garfield Cooke, Lorne Davis, Carlton Dixon, Everton Gooden, Calvin Gabriel, Linford Grant, Jeffrey James, Lonsdale Johnson, Carlton Mason, Roy Nelson, Lawrence Passley, Devon Robinson, Winston Robinson, Andrew Sinclair, Gordon Stewart, Ricardo Valentine, Franklyn Waugh, Raymond Webb, Cary Wiggan, Leroy Willer, Alva Wood (Coach), and Donovan Martin (Manager).