Jevaunne Benjamin’s 85th minute 24 yards deadball screamer, goes through the wall and knocks the stuffing out of the resilent defending Champions, Arnett Gardens FC who were looking to double after mastering the recently concluded Under 21 League where they won all 3 trophies on offer.
HVFC were off to a positive start as firm tackles and hard running goalwards highlighted the opening minutes by the young “Stars of the East” as they imposed their will on the more usually aggressive opponents.
Jorginho James, Rohan Royes, Benjamin and Taval Whittaker moved alertly to finish off attacking passes coming from midfielder, Kevaughn Frater along with assistance from central defenders, captain, Jhamie Hyde and Tazio Gilpin.
Benjamin came closest on 2 occasions but his final effort hit the side-netting twice as he penetrated the defensive line with speed and skill as the half ended 0-0, Arnett also responded through Javonne Simms who was held in check by Hyde and Gilpin, with little 17 year old Romario Atkinson at leftback working overtime.
Special congratulations to Coach Ludlow Bernard, who registered his fifth title following 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009 following in the tradition of Donovan “DV” Hayles initial double in 1998 and 1999. Making it our unprecedented 7th Title KSAFA U20.
The team completed the league without senior National players, leftback Kemar “Taxi” Lawrence, injured defender Kemo Wallace, strikers, Romaine Lewis and Akeil Barrett who had to return to US College and on Loan in the USA Professional Developmental League (PDL) Damion “Chullups” Lowe who played a Final on Wednesday night before returning home last night.
The joyful squad hoisted the trophy after the game as they splashed Coach Bernard with water and made merry, to deserving applause from the good crowd at the UWI Mona Bowl. reach.