SPORTS

Devon delight as Western Union triumphs

It’s party time as players and supporters celebrate
Western Union’s Grand Finale win after a penalty
shoot-out against Scholars at Ed Bush Field

Thursday, May 19, 2005 

Devon Donnegan and a trio of spot kings were the heroes as Western Union won the CIFA Fosters National League Grand Finale after a dramatic period of extra time and a nail-biting penalty shoot-out.

The score was tied at 0-0 as the game went into extra time and the drama continued when Western Union was awarded a penalty after an unfortunate Scholars’ player handled the ball in his own penalty area.

The referee pointed to the spot after consulting with one of his linesmen and as the crowd went wild Union’s Charles ‘Zidane’ Rowe stepped up to take the kick.

But Rowe failed to find the net and the drama continued as the period of extra time came to an end and it went to penalties.

That’s when Donnegan came into his own and he pulled off one fine save and stood big as two other Scholars players missed with their penalty attempts.

In sharp contrast, Kingsley Wellington, Jermaine Wilson and finally Joseph Wright, with the cup clincher, all hit the target to send the Union supporters in the packed crowd at the Ed Bush field wild with delight.

There were some crazy scenes as the trophy was presented to the victorious team and afterwards manager Athelston ‘Playmaker’ Watts declared: “We were double winners in 2000, winning the FA Cup and the Grand Finale, but this is a fantastic victory and a great reward for the team’s efforts and those of the coaching and management team

“Coach Jocelyn Morgan and his assistant Vincent ‘Teddy’ Mitchell have worked extremely hard and stuck to their tasks brilliantly,” said Mr Watts.

“Our President Mr Patrick McField will also be a very proud man.”

On the players involved in the more dramatic moments, Mr Watts said: “Charles Rowe has been a very good player right through the season and up to Monday’s finale had only missed one penalty all season. He has scored around five goals. This was his second successive miss from the spot.

“Jermaine Wilson has been a dedicated member of the team for many years. He has been top scorer in the league and joint top scorer. He’s got a lot of ability.

“Kingsley Wellington came into the team two years ago. He’s a hard-nosed midfield player who reads the game well and passes well,” said Mr Watts.

“And Joseph Wright has played exceptionally well on the right side of midfield in his first season. He gets about the field well too.”

Lots of the cheers were reserved at the end for Donnegan too and Mr Watts added: “Devon has had his moments with us and he kept his composure well in this game. He did what he had to do and we are looking forward to seeing him continue doing that.”

Western Union now looks forward to the weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against arch rivals Roma at the Truman Bodden stadium.

“They are usually very exciting games against Roma,” said Mr Watts. “It’s two Jamaican teams against each other, so it’s always very interesting.”

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