OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA — Defending Champions Couples Sans Souci opened their defence of the Sandals St Ann/St Mary Business House Football Competition with a hard fought 1-0 victory over debutants Baking Enterprise at Drax Hall playfield on Sunday.

Striker Michael Hinds slotted in the only goal in the 55th minute, tapping home from close range after a purposeful Couples Sans Souci build-up. The champions, however, were pushed hard by the determined newcomers who wasted a number chances to draw level.

The competition was officially launched at a press conference last Friday at Sandals Grande Riviera. Fourteen teams are taking part in the competition, with Couples Sans Souci expected to receive stiff competition from the likes of beaten finalists Beaches Ocho Rios, Gran Bahia Principe, RIU Ocho Rios, Margaritaville and Sandals Royal Plantation.

Guest speaker at the function, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ealan Powell, urged the players to take advantage of what the Business House Football Competition offered: a chance to gain productive employment and exposure to the national coaches.

ACP Powell also charged the players to be disciplined, as this was an essential requirement for success in an international career. He also called for fairplay among administrators and referees in the interest of a productive league.

The guest speaker also lauded Sandals Resorts for their continued sponsorship of the league, which offered a chance for employees to compete in a sport and also provided employment opportunities for footballers in the region.

“I want to call on other companies to follow Sandals’ lead and invest in sports in Jamaica and our region,” ACP Powell said.

Clive Miller, hotel manager at Sandals Grande Riviera, underscored Sandals Resorts’ commitment to football and sports in general. He spoke of the company being sponsors of the league for over 15 years as part of its responsibility in being a good corporate citizen.

Miller said he was looking forward to a competitive league and a high standard of play.