Kempshot take title in humdinger

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Kempshot won the St James FA Guardian Life Division Two title on Thursday afternoon, but not before engaging Norwood Strikers in a breathtaking seven-goal thriller, in their second-leg final at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay.

The Kempshot team, which won the first of the two-way final 2-0 and just needed a draw on Thursday to secure the title, ran into a resolute Norwood Strikers, who refused to roll over and die. In the end, they had to battle all the way for a 4-3 victory, which gave them the title 6-3 on aggregate.

"We are extremely happy," said Kempshot's coach Anthony Johnson. "Our community has been trying to win a major title in St James football for a long time, and we are joyful that it has finally happened."

Division one spot

By virtue of their win, Kempshot not only earned qualification for next year's St James FA Claro Division One league, but also took home the coveted Guardian Life Trophy and the $80,000 winner's purse.

Norwood Strikers, who also qualified for next season's Claro Division One by virtue of making the finals, took home $40,000 for their losing effort.

Victory for Kempshot came courtesy of goals by Oraine Johnson (two), Delano Birch and Renardo Bernard.

Former St James High daCosta Cup striker, Roshane Reid, scored all three goals for Norwood Strikers, two from the penalty spot.

In a game chock-full of excitement, Norwood Strikers dominated the early exchanges but fell prey to faulty shooting, as they squandered numerous easy chances to score and put Kempshot under serious pressure.

However, once Kempshot settled, full-scale excitement chipped in.

Kempshot took a 1-0 lead through Johnson in the 10th minute and then doubled that lead through Birch in the 18th.

Norwood struck in the 20th minute when they were awarded a penalty. The sure-footed Reid calmly converted, making the score 2-1.

Long-range shot

Kempshot regained their two-goal advantage in the 43rd minute, when Bernard fired home a long-range beauty, making the half-time score 3-1.

Kempshot made it 4-1 in the first minute of the second half when Johnson got his second goal of the game, a savage grounder, which climaxed a dazzling dribble down the left flank.

Despite being behind 6-1 on aggregate, Norwood Strikers kept pressing and were rewarded with two goals. In the 61st minute, Reid pounced on a delightful pass from Randy Douglas and fired home, making the score 4-2.

Reid was again on target in the 65th, when he fired home his second penalty.