‘Bend it like Beckham’ Futsal Championship
Back Circle of East Ruimveldt continued their recent dominance over fierce rival Sparta Boss, defeating the North East La Penitence-based outfit 2-1 in the final of the ‘Bend it like Beckham’ Futsal Championship at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.
It was the second meeting of the teams in a championship encounter in the space of seven days, with the outcome being the same in the form of a Back Circle triumph.
Simeon Moore gave Back Circle the perfect start as he slotted home in the opening minute into the roof of the net after receiving a flat cross from the right flank of the field inside the penalty area. Jermaine Beckles would increase their advantage, as he found the back of the net in the 17th minute.
Racing down the left flank, Beckles uncorked a powerful strike that went through the grasp of the goalkeeper and settled into the lower right corner. The score remained unchanged heading into the halftime interval.
Ryan Hackett eventually reduced the deficit in the 36th minute, lashing a left-footed shot from the centre of the field into the lower right corner. However, any hopes of a Sparta Boss comeback were thwarted as the Back Circle rearguard denied further advances from their opponent’s attacking lineup to secure the win.
Moore, during a post-match comment, said that it was a great tournament and that the victory was a result of hard-work from the entire team. He noted that the play has a specific play style, which has served them well and resulted in several titles.
Due to the outcome, Back Circle pocketed $1,000,000 and the championship trophy, while the loser received $500,000 and the second place accolade.
Meanwhile, North East La Penitence downed Bent Street 4-2 in the third-place playoff. With the result, North East La Penitence walked away with $300,000 and the respective trophy, while Bent Street pocketed $200,000 and the corresponding accolade.
Complete Results
Final
Sparta Boss-1 vs. Back Circle-2
Back Circle scorers
Simeon Moore-1st
Jermaine Beckles-17th
Sparta scorer
Ryan Hackett-36th
3rd Place
Bent Street-2 vs. North East La Penitence-4
