NWC cop Sandals BH title after 2-1 in over Gran Bahai

Thursday, October 06, 2011

NATIONAL Water Commission (NWC) are the champions of the Sandals-sponsored St Ann, St Mary Business House Football Competition.

The 'Watermen', as they have been dubbed, stopped title aspirants Gran Bahai Principe 2-1 in an action-packed and dramatic final at Drax Hall on Tuesday, to secure their first hold on the Sandals Trophy.

"It was a hard season and we were tested all the way, but battles like these make the victory so much sweeter," said an elated David Pryce, coach of the new champions.

"It wasn't easy. We had some really tough matches, but we bonded together with great team work. It was a total team effort," Pryce noted following the victory celebrations.

"We showed character as a team and we want to congratulate Gran Bahai for being worthy runners up," the coach further noted.

The match itself lived up to the hype, as both teams came out of the gates in attack mode. It was Gran Bahai, however, who enjoyed the better of the early exchanges and drew first blood when Sheldon Perry found the net with a well taken goal.

Down 0-1 at half time, NWC awoke from their slumber and pressured the Gran Bahai Principe defence, forcing them back on their heels. And with time running out Adrian Dallas scored an opportunistic goal to level the game.

The goal seemed to knock the fight out of Gran Bahai and NWC continued to hold total dominance and should have increased the lead but for faulty finishing. With extra time looking ominous, Jermaine Wheildon slammed in a powerful shot from a left side cross in the final minute of play to send the NWC fans into ecstasy.

The Sandals Trophy was presented by Group Public Relations Manager Mitchell Watson, who praised both teams for their outstanding display. Watson said that as sponsors Sandals was pleased with the quality of football and organisation.

Sandals Ocho Rios Regional Public Relations Manager Ian Spencer noted that it had been a dramatic and action-packed competition, with NWC proving the class of the field by ending the season unbeaten.

The awards presentations will be held at a date to be announced.