Flankers, Mt Salem the finalists

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Flankers and Mt Salem earned the right to contest today's final of the 2011 St James VMBS Football Under-13 competition after scoring good wins over Barracks Road and Corinaldi Avenue, respectively, in Monday's semi-final games at the UDC playing field in Montego Bay.

In the curtain raiser, Flankers, behind goals from skipper Shavaughn Ferguson (penalty) and Conroy Atkinson, defeated Barracks Road 2-1, while in the second game, a resolute Mt Salem, behind a superb strike by Damante Austin, clipped defending champions Corinaldi Avenue 1-0.

The final, which promises to be an epic affair, is slated for 11 a.m. and will be preceded by the third-place play-off between neighbours Barracks Road and Corinaldi Avenue at 10 a.m. The winning team will take home $26,000 and the VMBS championship trophy, while the beaten finalist will pocket $21,000.

Best possible start

In their game against Barracks Road, Flankers got off to the best possible start when they were awarded a penalty in the seventh minute of play. Skipper Ferguson made no mistake from the spot, making the half-time score 1-0.

In the second half, Flankers continued to dominate and were again rewarded in the 58th minute. Atkinson bravely challenged the Barracks Road goalkeeper for an aerial cross and nodded home, despite taking a knock in his face, making the score 2-0.

With time running out in the game, Barrack Road grabbed a consolation goal on the stroke of full-time. A powerful long-range free kick by Rushawn Williams eluded the diving Flankers goalkeeper, making the final score 2-1.

"We are absolutely thrilled to be in the final, this is what we have been working so hard for," said Flankers' coach Stephen Wood. "While we are expecting a good final, we intend to take home this trophy."

In their game against Corinaldi Avenue, Mt Salem promptly took charge and took a second-minute lead. The burly Peter Campbell broke free on the left flank and crossed to Austin, who side-footed past the helpless goalkeeper, making the score 1-0. That goal turned out to be the only goal of the game.

"Now that we are in the final, it is now time to focus on the title," said Mt Salem's coach Marlon Campbell. "We will be coming to give it all we have got."