Football Brings More Unity

Unity football champions - Wilton's Yard

Castries, Saint Lucia -  Organisers are hailing it a success, and many of those

who were witnessed to Sunday’s final between Wilton’s Yard and Conway, still

continue to give their opinion on what was a pulsating match, notwithstanding

the final result.

In the ongoing programme to reduce the ill feeling between residents of the

various Castries Basin communities, the New Village Development Committee

along with Central Castries Parliamentary Representative Richard Frederick,

undertook the hosting of the Unity Three-A-Side Football Competition.

Unity football losing finalist - Conway

All of the main communities were represented, with a high quality of football

displayed. However, it was Sunday’s final, which tested the resolve of the

players and brought to the surface, one of the longest running sporting rivalries

in Saint Lucia together again.

Historically, many of the most exciting football matches played were between

VSADC and Spartans, many players of which has their roots in Conway and

Wilton’s Yard, respectively.

Fort many Sunday’s final was another test to decide who would not just be

champions, but give the winners fuel to ignite the fire of bragging rights.

The tension was palpable, and when the final got underway over an hour behind

schedule, the frustration of the spectators soon dissipated.

Keiron King stripped a defender of his ball, and with un-nerving accuracy,

slammed home the game’s opening goal to send Conway’s supporters into a

shark like feeding frenzy.

The tempo was unrestrained, as neither team were prepared to take prisoners.

Wilton’s Yard began to settle down, and adopted the strategy of taking long-

range shots at the Conway goal. These shots were very accurate, forcing

Conway to rethink their all out attack game plan.

Nerie Gilbert of conway gives a pass to a teammate during Sunday's final

The equalizer came as hesitation in passing the ball allowed Wilton’s Yard to

regroup, and with a slight bend, the ball was in the back of the goal, and the

game now had a different twist.

After a action packed first half, the second period began with no let-up from

either side. As the minutes ticked agonizingly towards the end of regulation time,

many were of the opinion that whichever team scored would emerge champions.

To extra time the teams went, and when the referee blew his whistle and

pointed to the penalty spot for a handball, tempers flared.

Nerie Gilbert was sent off for a second bookable offence, forcing his team to play

for five minutes with only two players according to the tournament rules.

The penalty was scored, and with Wilton’s Yard enjoying the numerical

advantage, a third goal was soon scored. Conway continued to fight, but time

was against them, and when a fourth goal was slammed home, their supporters

knew that the die was cast, and the better, or as many would say, luckier team

on the day won.

Wilton’s Yard went dancing away with a 4-1 victory over their arch rivals

Conway, but the battle is not over yet  between these two communities for

sporting supremacy.