Underdogs Back Circle were crowned the Magnum Independence Cup champion, defeating former winner and tournament favourites Sparta Boss 6-5 in a thrilling final on Saturday at the National Park Tarmac.
The East Ruimveldt unit survived a second half blitz from the North East La Penitence outfit to secure the coveted title in a fixture witnessed by arguably the largest crowd to grace the format.
Firmly in control at 4-0 following the end of the first half, and further strengthening their position at 6-1 with less 11 minutes remaining in the contest, Back Circle weathered a storm from Sparta Boss, which resulted in four unanswered goals, as the deficit was reduced to 6-5 heading into the final seconds.
Further drama almost unfolded, as the clock denied Sparta Boss from sending the match into the extra time interval, as an attempted equaliser sailed into the back of the net a second after the time expired.
The expiration was confirmed by the referee and the official timekeepers as wild celebrations ignited on the playing surface and around the vicinity.
Eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP) awardee Jermaine Beckles led the victors with a hat-trick in the 12th, 16th and 23rd minutes, while the trio of Stephon McLean, Adrian Aaron, and Stephon Reynolds scored in the third, 19th and 29th minutes respectively.
For the loser, Jermin Junior tallied a double in the 31st and 38th minutex, while Nicholas McArthur netted in the 37th and 39th minutes. Adding a goal in the 28th minute was Gregory Richardson.
With the result, Back Circle collected G$700,000 and the championship award, whilst the runner-up received G$400,000 and the corresponding trophy.
Meanwhile, Gold is Money crushed Bent Street 16-7 in the third place playoff. Randolph Wagner fashioned six goals in the 23rd, 26th, 28th, 31st, 37th and 38th minutes, while Deon Alfred tallied a helmet trick in the fifth, seventh, 11th and 22nd minutes.
Adding doubles were Michael Oie in the 13th and 33rd, Jamal Pedro in the 32nd and 35th, and Michael Pedro in the third and 39th minutes.
For the loser, Dwayne Lawrence recorded a hat-trick in the 21st, 27th and 39th minutes, while Cosmos DeSantos, Nicolai Andrews, Sheldon Profitt, and Lance Browne scored in the fourth, ninth, 18th and 24th minutes respectively.
Due to the outcome, Gold is Money pocketed G$200,000 and the third place trophy, while Bent Street received G$100,000, and the fourth place trophy. In the Plate final, North East La Penitence defeated Future Stars 7-6 to walk away with G$40,000 prize.
The other sponsors of the event were MVP Sport, Nigel Hind Financial Services, Andrews Supermarket, Bold Expressions Barbershop, Fireside Grill ‘N’ Chill, Star Party Rentals, and Lucozade.
