Football and Cycling dominate weekend sports
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.
Crunch time came Saturday night for the Placencia Assassins who needed to win by a goal to extend the semifinal series in the PLB Football playoffs against the Belmopan Bandits who have been impressive all season long. It could have been a perfect start for the home team when Jeremy James rebounds off the defense to Jacinto Bermudez who looks for the far corner. The launch proves to be a hit short of the target and a bit too long for the sliding David Madrid who was very far off from the opener. It’s Belmopan on the move again when Collin Moody sets David Madrid nicely only his dipper didn’t dip enough to make it count.
On the other side of the equation, Luis Torres sets up older brother, Ashley Torres, for Placencia’s 1st real look at goal but he botched the opportunity. Now folks, Kareem Haylock gets this wonderful opportunity to give Placencia the 1-zip lead and tie the series only to misfire from pointblank range. He castigates himself and he should. In 2nd half play, Leomar Leslie bends this pass to Kareem Haylock and this time, he is up ended by a perfect reach from National Team goalkeeper, Woodrow West. In the meantime, this corner kick gives Ashley Torres the perfect chance to make amends but the header rises over the horizontal bar. Off this set piece, Placencia pushes numbers into the box and some chase to the goal, but Belmopan comes up with the stop.
Folks, it’s Placencia searching furiously for the goal in the closing minutes and we must say the defensive plan from Belmopan pays off handsomely as the game ends in a scoreless draw. So we say goodbye to the Assassins and the Bandits move on to the finals. Now let’s check in on the other semi-final matches as Police took the field yesterday against the B.D.F. boasting a 1 goal in the 2 game series. B.D.F. tries to open the score board when Khalil Velasquez deals into the danger zone—the rebound reaches Marlon Mesa who can’t do anything with it. With a straight face, we tell you folks 1st half is truly the highlight. In early 2nd half play, the B.D.F. looks to the set piece for a goal only to be foiled by Charlie Slusher leaving his line for a punch out.
The B.D.F. continues to force the action so Ralph Flores fires only to see the shot travel wide. Vallan Symms then launches this spotkick from atop the 18th; forcing Charlie Slusher to come up with the 1st real save of the match. The police finally look like themselves; Lennox Castillo breaks through the B.D.F. defense and he botches the finish. Here is the most exciting moment of the match. It’s the B.D.F. on the prowl in front of the goal. Lisbey Castillo’s attempt is contained. Khalil Velasquez looks to pounce but it beaten to the ball by Andres Marin whose attempt at clearance hits the upright. Byron Usher then gets a shot off which is blocked by the defense. The nil-nil score holds up and Police moves on while the B.D.F. goes fishing.
The championship series between Belmopan Bandits and Police United gets off this Sunday 3:30 p.m. inside the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in the Capital. In other football news, San Antonio FC beat Benguche FC on penalty kicks to grab the 2012 Interdistrict Champion of Champions tournament. Russell Casanova of San Antonio walked away with MVP and Best Forward Awards while teammate, Christian Rene was voted best midfielder. Darwin Castillo of Benguche scored the most goals and teammate Freddy de la Rosa was deemed best defender. Darren Hinds of Independence Scorpions got the vote for Best Goalkeeper.
Finally folks, the Reginald Jex 60 Mile Cycling Race staged on Saturday on the Northern Highway only drew these 20 riders and here’s a look at the start. We fast forward to the finish land this is as good a sprint you would want to see folks. Byron Pope hugs the curve first; however, Gregg Lovell turns on the afterburners and edges Pope at the tape to grab $200.00 and a TV. The sprint for 3rd place is also fascinating. Quinton Hamilton grabs the inside lance and maintains this velocity to the tape despite a gallant challenge from David Henderson.
