Bodden Town and Cayman Brac charge after the ball
Chasing down the ball for Bodden Town
Fighting for control of the ball
Celebrating a well-deserved victory
The powerhouse Bodden Town Under 14 team successfully defended their Under 14 FA Cup title on Sunday 21 May, continuing a run of dominant form that has seen the team lead the Queensgate Youth League all through the season as well.
Bodden Town took on surprise FA Cup finalists Cayman Brac FC, who progressed to the final by defeating one of the title favourites, George Town SC, in a penalty shootout.
Cayman Brac’s appearance in the finals was certainly historic, and validated the faith that their coach Mitchum Sanford had placed in his team. It is also proof that Cayman Brac’s participation in sporting leagues on Grand Cayman is both possible and desirable, as they are able to compete with, and defeat, the very best that Grand Cayman has to offer.
The two teams certainly presented a spectacle out on the Annex pitch, which had been specially re-marked with additional yellow lines to more closely match the smaller pitches the Under 14 players are used to playing on.
Bodden Town in the their purple kit contrasted brightly with Cayman Brac’s radiant yellow kit, and with supporters out in force and often dressed to match the colour of their team, it was as much a festival of colour as a festival of football.
On paper at least, Bodden Town was expected to claim the title. As defending FA Cup champions and league leaders, they certainly had the pedigree. But Cayman Brac has delivered so many surprises during the season, that no-one would be too surprised at yet another victory from a team who had moved from underdogs to serious title contenders in the space of one season.
The match promised to be a clash of contrasting styles, with Bodden Town’s outstanding athleticism and big-match temperament going up against Cayman Brac’s excellent tactical play.
Charlo McLean, the player with the second most league goals to his credit (behind team-mate Arvid Harris) made his mark for Bodden Town once more, scoring for his team. Rashad Rankin also scored for Bodden Town, giving the team a firm lead in the match. One of the outstanding players for Cayman Brac, Jamie Sanford, was unlucky to have an own goal credited to him, as Bodden Town managed to secure a 3-0 victory over Cayman Brac.
Bodden Town coach Elbert McLean had nothing but praise for his team and their opponents, saying that the players had played very good football, showing what the youth of Cayman were capable of. He also thanked the parents of his players for their support, not only on the day, but throughout the season.
Cayman Brac coach Mitchum Sanford was also very happy with the level of play.
“I’m extremely proud of the performances of each of my players. As always we give each game 100% effort and I ask no more of them. The Brac community can feel proud of this team,” he said.
He also congratulated Bodden Town on their victory.
“I felt we were the more tactical team and BTFC were more physical and composed. The final score line does not do the CBFC justice but BTFC were the better team and deserved to win the FA Cup. Congratulations to the BTFC,” he said.
The match was the final one for Cayman Brac, as they have already completed all of their league engagements, while Bodden Town still had a final couple of steps left on their way to what they hope to be league/cup double.
eugene@caymannetnews.com
