It was the fitting end to an underdog story, as Back Circle clinched the Magnum Independence Cup, overcoming football powerhouse and former champion Sparta Boss 6-5 on Saturday at the National Park tarmac, Thomas Lands.
Witnessed by a mammoth crowd which braved the persistent rainfall, the East Ruimveldt outfit survived a second half onslaught from the tournament favourite in the final 10 minutes to finally get their hands on the coveted Futsal championship, in what was a repeat of the 2019 final.
A double from Jermaine Beckles in the 12th and 16th minute, as well as individual efforts from Stephon McLean and Adrian Aaron in the third and 19th minute handed Back Circle a commanding 4-0 lead at the conclusion of the first half in the 40 minute fixture.
Although Sparta Boss eventually got off the mark in the 28th minute compliments of Gregory Richardson, two goals on either side of the aforesaid conversion from Beckles and Stephon Reynolds in the 23rd, and 29th minute further strengthened Back Circle’s position at 6-1.
However, drama quickly unfolded, as Sparta Boss reduced the deficit to 6-5 with four unanswered goals in the space of nine minutes. Jermin Junior registered a double in the 31st and 38th minute, while Nicholas MacArthur tallied a brace in the 37th and 39th.
Time ultimately proved to be the saviour of Back Circle, denying Sparta Boss the equaliser and the chance to contest the extra time period, as an intended equaliser off the boot of Devon Charles flew into the back of the net moments after the expiration of the match clock. The expiration was confirmed by the official timekeepers and the referee.
Back Circle carted off $700,000, and the championship award, whilst Sparta Boss pocketed $400,000, and the respective accolade.
Meanwhile, Gold is Money brushed aside a depleted Bent Street side 16-7 in the third place playoff. Randolph Wagner crafted six conversions in the 23rd, 26th, 28th, 31st, 37th, and 38th minute, while Deon Alfred supported with a helmet trick in the fifth, seventh, 11th, and 22nd minute.
Chipping in with doubles were Michael Oie [13th and 33rd], Jamal Pedro [32nd and 35th] and Michael Pedro [third and 39th].
For Bent Street, Dwayne Lawrence amassed a hat-trick in the 21st, 27th and 39th minute, while the quartet of Cosmos DeSantos, Nicolai Andrews, Sheldon Profitt, and Lance Browne netted in the fourth, ninth, 18th and 24th minute respectively.
With the win, Gold is Money pocketed $200,000 and the third place trophy. On the other hand, Bent Street received $100,000, and the corresponding accolade. In the Plate final, North East La Penitence battled past Future Stars 7-6 to claim the $40,000 prize.
The other sponsors of the event were MVP Sport, Nigel Hinds Financial Services, Andrews Supermarket, Bold Expressions Barbershop, Fireside Grill ‘N’ Chill, Star Party Rentals, and Lucozade.
Complete Results
Final
Sparta Boss-5 vs Back Circle-6
Back Circle Scorers
Jermaine Beckles-12th, 16th and 23rd
Stephon McLean-3rd
Adrian Aaron-19th
Stephon Reynolds-29th
Sparta Scorers
Jermin Junior-31st and 38th
Nicholas MacArthur-37th and 39th
Gregory Richardson-28th
3rd Place
Gold is Money-16 vs Bent Street-7
Gold is Money Scorers
Randolph Wagner-23rd, 26th, 28th, 31st, 37th, and 38th
Deon Alfred-5th, 7th, 11th, and 22nd
Michael Oie-13th and 33rd
Jamal Pedro-32nd and 35th
Michael Pedro-3rd and 39th
Bent Scorers
Dwayne Lawrence-21st, 27th and 39th
Cosmos DeSantos-4th
Nicolai Andrews-9th
Sheldon Profitt-18th
Lance Browne-24th
Plate Final
Future Stars-6 vs North East La Penitence-7
