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Port Morant win Robertson KO

The curtain came down on the St Thomas James Robertson KO on Monday December 27, but not before Port Morant All Star inched out a hard-fought 5-3 victory on penalties over the determined Ramble Youth Club.

With both teams locked on 0-0, it must have been a nervous moment for Port Morant All Star when the referee blew the final whistle to signal the end of full and extra time. Ramble had won all their previous games on penalties and would have been firm favourites at this point to upstage the perennial Super League campaigners and create history in the parish.

Patrick Morrison (central defender), who had an excellent game for Ramble prior to the penalties, became a villain with a powerhouse penalty kick that skyrocketed approximately 10 feet over the crossbar. The miss sent the All Star supporters into a frenzy.

Port Morant, who took the first penalty in the shoot-out, scored all from the spot to the delight of their spectators, who journeyed from the east to witness the game.

Port Morant, while pocketing $60,000 and the James Robertson Trophy, earned the right to participate in the all-island knockout competition which is scheduled to kick off this month. Runners-up Ramble earned $40,000.

President Wayne Thompson, while commending Port Morant for the victory, had high praises for Ramble for their brave showing in the competition. He also apologised for sponsor and Western St Thomas Member of Parliament James Robertson, who was unable to attend the event due to another engagement.

Black Lions lead the pack

Black Lions continue to have a handsome lead going into the new year in the LIME St Catherine FA Major League after defeating Spanish Town Police 2-0 on Tuesday, courtesy of goals by George Clarke (66th), and David Griffiths (76th). Black Lions, who had earlier secured a mid-season final spot, ended the first round on top with 28 points. Police stayed on 15 points, and look set to miss the mid-season final.

Portsmouth made a big step forward to secure a mid-season final spot after they defeated Portmore rivals Rodwood 2-1, courtesy of goals by Marcus Morrison and Andre Green. They are in second place on 18 points.

In other games, Royal Lakes (15 pts) thumped DB Basovak 2-1 through a double strike from Orville Mullings. Renardo Graham got Basovak's goal; Wanderers surprised McCook's Pen 2-0 with goals from Warren Morgan and Roy Dunstan while Dunbeholden and Cumberland drew 1-1.

Naggo Head, Frazier's advance

Super League club Naggo Head and Division One outfit Frazier's Whip advanced to the semi-finals of the LIME St Catherine FA knockout tournament following victories over Albion and Portmore United at the Prison Oval on Wednesday.

In the opening game, Naggo Head got goals from Dwight Byfield (11th), Leighton Barrett (43rd) to eliminate Albion 2-1. Anthony Brown (76th) netted for Albion. Jevaune Benjamin's 76th strike helped his side to boot defending champs Portmore 1-0 to set up a semi-final clash with Naggo Head.

The other semi-final pits former Premier League team, Rivoli United against Super League side Tru-Juice. These games will be played on Wednesday, January 5, at the Prison Oval.

Grove, Hellshire in KO semis

Watson Grove and Hellshire United will square off in the opening game of a semi-final double-header in the Colin Fagan-sponsored Portmore Division Two football knockout tournament at the Passagefort field tomorrow at 1 p.m. In the feature match at 3 p.m., Daytona take on new-comers East Portmore Portals. In quarter-final games, recently, East Portmore booted Westmeade 3-2 on penalties, Watson Grove clipped Queen's Park 1-0, and Hellshire United edged Braeton United 1-0.

Tigers, the toast of domino awards

Portmore Lane Tigers were the toast of the Colin Fagan South East St Catherine Portmore Domino league presentation, as they lifted the community league trophy for the first time at the Ken's Wildflower sports Bar recently. In addition to the trophy, Tigers received a cash award of $50,000.

Hangover United, the team that looked set to win the crown, were relegated to second as Tigers romped home 300-256 in that final played recently. Cumberland took third spot, and Passagefort United, winners of the first staging, were fourth.

Meanwhile, member of parliament for South East St Catherine, Colin Fagan, the main sponsor of the league, said that the domino competition was not about winning but the main focus is to unify communities in his constituency.

Eastern aim at Rowe Strikers

Eastern All Stars will want to open the new year on a winning note as they oppose Starliners in a Zone B match in the Henkel/Pattex Skittles competition at Dragon Skittles Club in Rollington Town tomorrow. Match time is 1 p.m.

Eastern were surprised 6-3 by Gregory Park-based The Dip in their last game and will throw caution to the wind this time around. In another Zone B game at the venue, Dragon tackle The Dip at 4 p.m.

In Zone A, Willies Strikers square off with Olympic Strikers in the first game of a double header at Hangover Sports Bar, 3 Mega Way, in Portmore at 1 p.m. Home team Hangover will challenge Mister C in the feature match at 4 p.m.

In Zone C, unbeaten Eagles will start favourites to beat Rowe Strikers in the opening game at 1 p.m. at Waltham Park Road, whereas Waltham Strikers take on Mystix in the late game at the venue.

St Mary Major League

The 2010-2011 Captain's Bakery/St Mary Football Association Major League competition will be officially launched on Sunday, January 9 at Eden Park, Jacks River, St Mary. A dress parade will precede the kick-off games at 10 a.m.

The game between Galina United FC and Windsor Castle FC kicks off at 1 p.m. and the game between Gayle Authentic Strikers and Albany United FC kicks off at 3 p.m.

The president of the Jamaica Football Federation, Captain Horace Burrell, and other executive members are expected to be in attendance.

Fort, Ken's clash tomorrow

Defending champions Fort International will start the new year by travelling to Ken's Wildflower home ground on Port Henderson Road in the fourth round of the Charley's JB Overproof Rum/Jamaica Domino Federation Portmore/St Catherine Domino League tomorrow.

Fort International are coming off a 300-275 win over Triple X Old Harbour Bay in the last round of matches, while Ken's Wildflower went down 300-260 to Eagle View in their last game. Fort will start favourites but will be far from complacent since Colours Sports Bar surprised them in a second-round match.

The other games are as follows: Hurricane vs Lime Tree Grove at Portmore Plaza; Ackee Pod vs Garveymeade at March Pen Rd; Village Link vs Caribbean Classic at 3 Megaway, Portmore Town Centre; Correctional Services vs Eagle View at Prison Oval; Caymanas Track vs North Street United at Caymanas Track; Westchester Nuckuz vs Masterpiece at Westchester; Triple X vs Right Stuff at Old Harbour Bay. The Colours Sports/Eradication game is postponed due to a funeral. All games begin at 11 a.m.