EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League…Agricola and Grove to clash in tomorrow’s final following semi final triumphs

Dec 19, 2017 Sports, https://www.kaieteurnewsonline...semi-final-triumphs/

Led by their most inspirational players, Jamal Cordis and Jonathan Andries with 10 and 7 goals respectively, Grove Hi Tech and defending champions Agricola Red Triangle will battle in the final of the second Ralph Green / East Bank Football Association Under-11 League/Knockout tournament tomorrow at the Grove Playfield.
In yesterday’s semi finals, the defending champions were pushed all the way by debutants Diamond Upsetters and eventually booked their final spot via kicks from the penalty mark after coming back to tie the match at 1-1.
Grove Hi Tech were also pushed to the hilt but came out victors in the end 1-0, thanks to their leading and the tournament’s leading goal scorer, Jamal Cordis who netted his 10th of the tournament in the 13th minute to seal their date with Agricola tomorrow.
Diamond Upsetters, like Samatta Point/Kaneville, are debutants to EBFA competitions at the junior level and have both made an instant impact by reaching the final four.
It was Diamond which took the lead seven (7) minutes into the match thanks to an Abdullah Amin strike which silenced the Agricola team and supporters. Despite falling behind, the defending champions showed great heart in staying focused before firing back in the 19th minute through their leading goal scorer, Jonathan Andries.
The remaining minutes of the 30-minute clash as well as extra time failed to produce see any more goals so kicks from the penalty mark were required to decide who would have advanced to the final.
Agricola’s experience made the difference as they scored twice through Andries and Calvin Bowling not requiring their third kick as Diamond Upsetters only managed one of their three kicks, Junior December being the scorer.
The final whistle prompted scenes of celebrations from the Agricola Coaches and other supporters.
Upsetters and Samatta Point will square off in the third place match tomorrow from 10:00hrs at the same venue which would be followed by the championship match between defending champions Agricola and Grove.
The top four teams would be presented with participatory medals, while the top five individual players will be rewarded with backpacks and trophies; these are Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player, Most Disciplined Player and Most Promising Player.
Each player in the competition received branded tee shirts as well as their coaching staff. Branded balls (EBFA logo) have also been used in each match while a special match ball would be used in the final.