Sharpe's Rebels are Outdoor Premier League champions

BY PAUL BURROWES Observer writer

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

SHARPE'S Rebels are champions of the 2011 Outdoor Premier League hockey after Raiders United edged Munro College Old Boys 2-1 on Sunday at the Mona Astroturf.

Spearheaded by one of the league's leading marksmen Giovanni Gordon (eight goals), supported by Kimani Airey (three goals), Sharpe's topped the six-team competition with 18 points.

Circus Circle finished as runners-up with 17 points, with Munro College Old Boys placing third with 16 points. Jamaica Defence Force ended with 15 points, ahead of Raiders United, 11 points, and Explorers on seven points.

Needing a victory over Raiders United on Sunday to win the competition, Munro old boys, who came prepared to party, let slip the opportunity when Raiders' Garcia Kelly scored his fifth league goal in the 31st minute.

When Kelly added his sixth goal in the 64th minute, Munro old boys retained slim hopes when Duvaughn Henlon responded a minute later to join Gordon as the league's leading goalscorer with eight goals.

But Raiders, which have introduced half-dozen high school players in their team as part of their rebuilding effort, held on to deny Munro old boys the victory needed to win the competition.

Meanwhile, in the other match Sunday, Sauwana Gordon scored in the 44th minute for Tropics to beat Sharpe's Rebels women 1-0 in the Women's Division One.

After three matches, Tropics and St Andrew Hockey Club are locked on four points, two behind leaders Sharpe's Rebels women who have played four matches.

On Saturday, JDF defeated Explorers 5-0 in the Outdoor Premier League.

Meanwhile, in the Women's Division Two, Spiritz drubbed Excelsior Eagles 12-0, Sharpe's D2 outplayed Flames 5-2, and Tropics D2 and Strikers drew 3-3.

The Women's Division Two will continue tomorrow with Excelsior Eagles, yet to get a point after two matches, playing Strikers (one point) at Mona.