Team Referee Wins 5-A-Side Futsal Championship
Team Referee has been crowned champions of the 5-A-Side Futsal tournament held at the Long Bush Basketball Court. Following an unexpected lighting outage during the final against Sweaters, both teams agreed to split the cash prize while Team Referee claimed the top trophy on goal difference. Organizers now plan to make the competition a recurring fixture on the local sports calendar.
Excitement and high-level competitive spirit filled the air at the Long Bush Basketball Court as eight local teams battled for top honors and cash prizes in the 5-A-Side Futsal Tournament. When the dust settled, Team Referee emerged as the official champions following a dramatic conclusion to the competition.
Both Team Referee and Sweaters earned their spots in the final match after navigating the preliminary stages undefeated. The championship fixture proved to be a defensive masterclass, with neither side able to break the deadlock during regulation time. Drama unfolded just as extra time got underway when the court floodlights unexpectedly went out.
Although power was eventually restored, the late hour combined with the looming threat of rain prompted the finalists to reach a mutual agreement. Rather than resuming play under uncertain conditions, the teams opted to evenly divide the total $3,000 prize purse, taking home $1,500 each instead of the standard $2,000 winner and $1,000 runner-up distribution.
Team Referee was officially declared the tournament winner and awarded the first-place trophy and championship medals by virtue of maintaining a superior goal difference throughout the tournament. The tournament featured a strong lineup of local talent, with VG Stars, Genesis, Down Island Ballers, Rude Boys, Wanna Be City, and Fake Ballers all showcasing their skills on the court.
Several individual standout performances were recognized during the closing presentation. Jermaine May of Team Referee captured the tournament Most Valuable Player award, while Loic Simon of Down Island Ballers secured the Golden Boot as top goalscorer. D'Andrea McSheene of Team Genesis took home Best Defender honors, and Team Genesis was also voted the people's choice for Most Disciplined Team.
Following the successful staging of the competition, Rebels coach Latoya Sue confirmed that organizers intend to make the futsal tournament an annual staple, with discussions already underway regarding the possibility of hosting at least two such tournaments each year.
Primary source: VINO