Part Three – CAN the Soap Opera sequel continue in 2009-10? Only time would tell as Portland’s St George’s SC started like a house on fire, but Tivoli Gardens pegged them back to take the first End-of-Round Final 2-0.

In Round Two, Waterhouse burst out, but their flame was extinguished by HVFC in the second End-of-Round Final, 1-0.

Change of coaches is not unusual in the league, but it peaked that year, with four-time champions Portmore in triple rotation after lying 12th and last at the end of February, before regaining order to end up seventh.

As Round Three concluded, HVFC and Tivoli were far ahead of the field, as a three-way tussle ensued for relegation between Arnett Gardens, Rivoli United and Humble Lion for the last day.

August Town’s early relegation and Rivoli United, with MVP Devon Hodges, never survived the cut to return to the parish leagues.

HVFC consistently won their games as Tivoli struggled to finish and threw in the towel against St George’s at Lynch Park, as HVFC snuffed out Boys’ Town 2-0 at home to celebrate their third lien late into the night.

In the next and last game, HVFC clipped Tivoli 2-1 at Tivoli to receive the trophy.

Digicel’s third and final year of contract, 2010-11, would bring the curtains down on a magnificent era of the “Bigger, better” things, as Waterhouse FC showed good preparation to surge ahead with Tivoli Gardens, overhauling them 5-1 in the First End-of-Round Final.

Round Two saw Portmore United eking out a second-half victory over first-time finalists Sporting Central Academy, on an Adoah Nickles strike, this in front of a large crowd with many blue-and-black striped clad supporters, who journeyed from Clarendon to the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

Round Three kicked off with four clubs within four points of each other, but at the end of it, Tivoli were five points clear of Boys’ Town FC, who would not concede, fighting to the last game.

The lower six was far more competitive, as the six clubs were within touching distance of each other by a mere seven points, with Reno in seventh, but not safe from 12th-placed Humble Lion FC with five games outstanding.

Reno and Arnett Gardens won early games to secure their places in the next season, but Benfica FC of St Ann had again fallen into disarray and were relegated, leaving Sporting Central, St George’s SC and Humble Lion FC to save themselves from the drop.

D-Day was Sunday, May 1, the very last day of the league in Round 38 and another three-way drama erupted.

Sporting, playing away to St George’s SC at the much vaunted Lynch Park, needed to get a point for survival, but if they lost it would elevate hosts St George’s SC amidst a vibrant home crowd.

Humble Lion defeated a demotivated Benfica FC at Drax Hall, without much resistance, to stay up.

The big prize was still outstanding as Tivoli Gardens FC held their nerve to repel the relentless challenge of the marauding Boys’ Town FC at Edward Seaga Sports Complex in a not too friendly rivalry for all the spoils.

Tivoli broke the hearts of ‘The Red Brigade’ through hitman, Navion ‘Boysie’ Boyd with a scorcher as the chants of “Tivoli, Tivoli, Tivoli” rang out in western Kingston as the sad memory of the May incursion was replaced with the ecstasy of tumultuous celebration.

The ‘V’ signs of victory were held high, as the supporters were proud to be from Tivoli Gardens, and they believed they were on top of the world.

A real life lesson of social equality exhibited in the public eye, for a nation to see, if ever there was one. Football is one all important medium that brings, moments to life.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Clyde Jureidini is a football analyst, general manager of the Harbour View Football Club and company secretary of the Premier League Clubs’ Association (PLCA)