CLIFTON Pen and Striving are the toast of South West Andrew after both were crowned champions of the INSPORTS/Portia Simpson Miller community leagues on July 8.

Striving claimed a nail-biting 24-22 victory over Progressive to lift the netball title.

It was even more nerve-racking in the football final, as Clifton Pen prevailed 5-4 on penalties over Majestic Gardens after both teams had played to a

one to one scoreline.

Both champions earned themselves $100,000.

In front of a packed Tinson Pen crowd of over 2,000 spectators, Clifton Pen soaked up most of the pressure after taking lead, while Majestic Gardens were guilty of faulty shooting amid a series

of attacks.

Despite their relentless pursuits, Majestic Gardens conceded a goal against the run of play and gave up a penalty 10 minutes from half-time.

Lamar Reynolds twice finished with aplomb after the referee ordered a retake.

It was more of the same in the second half with Majestic Gardens the dominant force but found it difficult to pull level.

Then finally they were rewarded for being consistent when Kemar James rose highest to head home from a corner and also force extra-time.

Clifton Pen came out purposeful in overtime, but were also guilty of poor finishing.

In the shootout, however, they were sublime from 12 yards with Reynolds converting the fifth successive spot-kick to ignite riotous celebrations.

Zodiac claimed third after Demar Stewart’s goal in the 23rd minute gave them a 1-0 over Selassie Gardens in the curtain-raiser.

Captain Lilieth Lynch-Myers scored a game-high 16 points in leading Striving to victory at the Caribbean Palms Community Centre.

As expected in a battle between the two unbeaten finalists very little separated them.

The lead was shared on several occasions with goal-shooter Fleuth Thomas (14 points) and goal-attack Kayan Cousins (eight points) leading a Progressive charge that also included national player Althea Byfield in their ranks.

But in the end, Striving clinched victory with wiley goal-attack Yoki-Ann Taylor (eight points) giving strong support to her captain while condemning Progressive to their first defeat.

A beaming Lynch-Myers credited “teamwork” for her team’s success.

“Whenever something goes wrong, someone is always ready to step up and correct that problem. We can rely on each other in whatever situation we find ourselves in, which is the reason why we are winners today,” she said.

Thornbird took third spot after beating Selassie Gardens 27-17.