Barrouallie’s football hat-trick – gift to community, says Lewis

Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines Barrouallie’s third straight lien on the senior men’s title of the Hairoun Beer National Inter Community Football Championships has been dedicated to the entire community.

Lorson Lewis, the main administrative officer behind the team, expressed this view following the team’s success last Sunday night at the Victoria Park.{{more}}

“…It’s a tremendous achievement, not just for the players, but for the entire community of Barrouallie… It is the fruits of the efforts that are being expended into having a vibrant sporting community,” Lewis told SEARCHLIGHT.

“It is more of a celebration for all residents and fans of Barrouallie; those who journeyed to every game, whether their support is vocal or silent…Those who followed through the other mediums and even those who may be critical because of the high standards they expect,” Lewis added.

He declared that the seeds of success were sown over time through all- round efforts expended by the Barrouallie community.

“The work of the executive of the Barrouallie Sports Association must be highlighted…. The effort in ensuring that we have organized competitions that nurture and expose talents, as well as allow the fans to see the potential of these sports-personalities in their backyard are some parts of the entire structure,” Lewis commented.

Lewis also acknowledged partnerships, namely the long standing relationship with the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines and its forerunner the National Commercial Bank. Norrell Hull, who has been sponsoring the Under-17 feeder competition in the community for many years, was also thanked.

The Barrouallie outfit, on the night of celebration, pumped four goals into the back of Central Kingstown’s nets, to which their opponents only replied once.

A pair of items from the prolific Oalex Anderson in the 3rd and 43rd minutes, as well as strikes from Vasbert Ledger in the 33rd minute and Jomo Toppin in the 75th minute, handed Barrouallie the title on a platter.

Central Kingstown’s response came in the 61st minute from the boot of Azhino Solomon.

For Lewis, winning titles should become habitual and they are not resting on their laurels.

“We will continue to put in the effort, those structures to produce not just footballers, but sports personalities who can compete beyond the borders of St Vincent and the Grenadines and not only in the area of sport, but other core areas such as education that contribute to nation-building,” Lewis projected.

Barrouallie marched unperturbed into the finals, after defeating West Kingstown 5-1 on aggregate in the two legs of the semi-finals.

Central Kingstown, however, had a hard fought come from behind 2-1 triumph over Layou in their two chances in the last four.

West Kingstown went on to take the third place, when they beat Layou 4-1, the match which preceded last Sunday’s final.

Dorian Dallaway and Curlon Joseph, both netted twice, while Wendy Cuffy scored for Layou.

The win for Barrouallie sees them pocketing $10,000, Central Kingstown $6,000, with West Kingstown earning $3,000 and Layou $1,000.