Tenth title for Rusea's

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Rusea's High, behind a superb free kick by star striker Brian 'Rambo' Brown, defeated St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) 1-0 yesterday afternoon to win their 10th ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel daCosta Cup title at the Montego Bay Stadium in St James.

"We had this title on our minds from our opening game against Green Island and it is great to complete the job against STETHS," said Rusea's coach Anthony 'Follies' Williams. "STETHS defeated us in the Ben Francis KO semi-final and we were determined that they would not beat us again."

The goal, which came in the 47th minute, was a well-worked free kick between Brown and Toreto Gregory, who acted as a decoy. The goal was Brown's 38th of the season and his 14th in post-preliminary round play.

After an evenly contested first half, the second half belonged to Rusea's as they ran STETHS ragged with relentless attacks. In fact, among the several chances they created, Brown came closest when another of his superb free kicks struck the upright.

In the first half, Rusea's got the first chance in the fourth minute when Brown dribbled to the edge of the goal area and crossed to Anthony Walker. The latter missed the ball completely, with the goalkeeper at his mercy.

STETHS countered two minutes later when Akeem Jones pounced on a cross before the goal but, under pressure, directed his shot wide of the target.

Both teams again created opportunities in the 10th and 12th minutes. First, Brown got away before the goal but his shot was well held on the second attempt by the STETHS custodian Leo Pete Cole. Second, STETHS wasted a glorious chance when Davian Ash got away before the goal but fumbled under pressure.

In the latter stages of the half, Rusea's began to look increasingly ominous with each attack as Brown, Walker and skipper Nicodie Haughton had STETHS under strong pressure. However, their efforts proved futile.

Took charge

After taking their early second-half lead, the Rusea's team took charge, peppering the STETHS defence with all out attack. They should have doubled their lead in the 53rd minute when Brown struck the upright with a beauty.

Rusea's all but scored again in the 62nd minute when Walker broke clear but elected to pass instead of shooting, and wasted what looked an easy chance.

In the 78th minute, STETHS got a golden opportunity to equalise when a melee developed before the Rusea's goal. However, all the shots taken were blocked.

In the dying moments, Rusea's had STETHS at their mercy, running hard at them to nullify all their efforts. When the final whistle came it was all pandemonium as joyful fans invaded the playing area.