BK Int. Western Tigers roar to 2008 Banks Beer League title

Feb 17, 2009 Sports

Returns to Premier League along with Flamingo

2008 Banks Beer champs: Banks DIH Merchandising Manager Mortimer Stewart (6th right) celebrating sweet victory BK International Western Tigers on Sunday night at the Tucville ground. (Franklin Wilson photo)

By Franklin Wilson
BK International Western Tigers are the 2008 Banks Beer division-one champions following their demolition of fellow village team Flamingo 3-1 in the final on Sunday evening at the Tucville ground.

The Tigers, who were relegated to this level after a dismal showing in the Premier League (PL) in 2007, will return to the PL level for this new season after disposing of every team at the division one level.

They wrapped up a memorable season by demolishing Flamingo 3-1 in clinical style with ten men. The other match saw Beacon disposing of Black Pearl 3-0 to claim the third position.

Devon Millington, Nedd Fraser and Dwayne Daniels all netting for the winners, Flamingo got their consolation strike from their most experienced player, Shem Porter, a penalty in the 66th minute.

The game was billed as a grudge match since their first encounter was abandoned at Thirst Park after a fight broke out between some of the opposing players. Both teams had promised that there would never be a repeat of such actions and they did live up to their promises.

And despite heavy downpours during the match, it was a tight tussle as neither side gave up much space to the other. The Tigers however, found themselves under some pressure after the expulsion of one of their main players, Phillip Rowley in the 33rd minute for violent conduct.

The loss of Rowley momentarily lighted up the eyes of their opponents but even with the advantage of having one more player, Flamingo failed to breach their defence despite coming close on quite a few occasions.

The first half did not produce any goals but the deadlock was broken four minutes into the second by their leading marksman, Devon Millington.

Tiger, Devon Millington (No.9) trying to dribble his way past this Flamingo player in the final of the Banks Beer division-one league on Sunday night. (Franklin Wilson photo)

That advantage was doubled in the 62nd through a Nedd Fraser effort. Four minutes on, Flamingo was awarded a penalty and Porter who did not play the first half skillfully, dispatched his shot past the flat footed custodian.

The deal was signed sealed and delivered five minutes to full time when Dwayne Daniels drilled his shot into the back of the nets.

It was a well deserved win and championship for the Tigers who will now be facing much more familiar opposition, the likes of Alpha, Sunburst Camptown and Pele to name a few.

Western were clearly cuts above the opposition at this level. Flamingo, despite losing have also earned a spot in the Premier League with their second place finish.

The two teams replacing them from the Premier League ranks are Santos and Uprising. The first segment of the league was played on a round-robin format with the top four teams moving on to the final four.

Western finished unbeaten with 27 points, Flamingo 20, Beacon 16 and Black Pearl 11.
A date for the presentation will be known soon.