Tournament favorite Hard-Knocks clinched the New Era Entertainment/Mohamed’s Enterprise Futsal Championship, downing NK Ballers in the grand final on Saturday at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Tarmac, Linden.
The contest mirrored the earlier semifinal meeting with Dave & Celina’s, as a combined 33 goals were registered, a record for a local Futsal final.
Golden Jaguars international Pernell Schultz resumed his goal scoring exploits from the previous round, captivating the large crowd, as he capitalized on the lack of defensive structure to fire in seven goals in the 20-13 victory.
It was a torrid night for custodian Travis Bess as the diminutive attacker increased his tally to 19 goals in the knockout phase, which was another event record.
His conversions have Bess no chance, as he rifled right footed strikes past the aforesaid shot-stopper with impressive regularity.
Schultz also found a capable partner in the form of the versatile Colin Nelson, who hammered six goals with his favored left foot, many of which left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
Daniel Wilson amassed a hat-trick to take his knockout phase tally to an impressive 15 goals, while Clive Nobrega and Deon Charter assisted with respective doubles.
For the loser, Keon Sears and Donovan Francis registered respective hat-tricks while Rawle Gittens bagged a brace.
Contributing one goal each were Kenard Simon, Kacy John, Jamal Haynes and Joel Isaacs.
Due to the win, Hard-Knocks walked away with $600,000 and a trophy. On the other hand, the runners-up received $250,000 and the respective trophy.
Aubrey Major Jr, Co-Director of New Era Entertainment during a post match comment, “The final was a success but the only issue was the seating area of the facility. Presently the facility has only one seating area which was done by ExxonMobil through New Era and we hope that the problem get fixed by next year.”
He further said, “Overall it was a success, we plan to increase the teams next year and I am satisfied with the quality of the teams in the event which we have seen improve from year one to year six. We also want to see an improvement in the Futsal referees.”
Meanwhile Dave & Celina’s All-Stars defeated High Rollers in the third place playoff.
The aforementioned clash set the tone for the evening’s proceedings, as a combined 27 goals were recorded in the 15-12 victory for the All-Stars.
Darren Fraser tallied six goals, with Benjamin Opara closely following with five goals.
The next best scorer with a brace was Kardell Thompson while Tevin McKenzie and Solomon Austin added one goal apiece.
For the loser, Jonah Simon smashed five goals while Omar Brewley chipped in with a hat-trick.
Adding one goal each were Shaquille Frank, Shayne Haynes, Jeshawn Moore and Jehu Regis.
With the result, Dave & Celina’s All-stars pocketed $100,000 and a trophy while the loser received $50,000 and the respective accolade.
