Tourers advance with incredible win

Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:

The maxim 'truth is sometimes stranger than fiction' played itself out on Sunday when Violet Tourers ended First Choice's impressive seven-game winning streak, scoring an incredible 8-2 win to earn a place in the semi-finals of the 2013 Gas Pro Western Masters League.

Entering the crucial Zone A game with the knowledge that nothing but an impressive win would pull them level with Challenger Masters, who had previously completed their fixtures with 13 points and opened the door to them making the last four with a superior goal difference, Violet Tourers went out and notched victory by the required six clear goals.

"Considering all the circumstances, it was an unbelievable win for Violet Tourers," a member of the competition's steering committee told The Gleaner. "However, we are somewhat concerned about rumours that First Choice gave away the game."

Since the game, rumours have surfaced that First Choice had thrown the game to ensure the elimination of bitter rivals Challenger Masters. It is not known whether or not Challenger Masters have lodged an official protest.

However, should the result of the game stand, then First Choice, which entered the game with an unassailable 21 points, and Violet Tourers, with their crucial win, will enter next week's semi-finals as the two qualifiers from Zone A in the 10-team competition.

The Violet Tourers team, which had an emphatic 9-1 over Live TV in their previous game, had striker Kirstan Walker to thank for the result as he scored seven of the eight goals. He was on target three times in the win against Live TV.

"We are enjoying some good late form and that is what you saw today and last week," said Walker. "Besides having already qualified, First Choice were probably not as motivated as they usually are."

In Zone B, where many-time champions Hanover Masters needed a win against group leaders Jamaica Brazil to secure their semi-final place, their hopes were dashed as they were beaten 3-2. It now means that they will have to await the result of tomorrow's rescheduled game against Logwood Stump, who are also in contention, to know their fate.

Currently, Hanover Masters are on 14 points while Logwood Stumps have 11. However, while a win would see Logwood Stumps joining the Hanover team on 14 points, Hanover still have a big advantage with a healthy +17 goal difference to their opponents' zero goal difference.

While Hanover look a safe bet to advance, on the evidence of what unfolded in the First Choice/Violet Tourers game, both teams should be quite nervous going into the game, which is slated for Kenilworth, Hanover, starting at 4 p.m.