Photo by LeVaughn Flynn
Tivoli Gardens' Ryan Reid (left) climbs above Waterhouse's Kenardo Forbes for a challenge as both players head the ball during their JFF Coca-Cola National Under-21 League contest at Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday. Tivoli won 5-0.

LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Tivoli Gardens coach Desmond Francis credited his 3-4-3 formation for his team's 5-0 whipping of Waterhouse yesterday in the opening round of games in the JFF/Coca-Cola Under-21 National Premier League.

With millions of dollars in sponsorship and attractive cash incentives at the end of the season, Tivoli showed spanking form with goals coming from Kemar Flemming (5th), Otis Friend (22nd), Ricardo Stern (55th) and Navion Boyd (80th and (90th).

"Since we started using the 3-4-3 formation last season in January we haven't lost a match again," professed Francis.

He added that his team's strong start was indicative of their ambitions.

"For the past four years, Portmore have been dominating the league, so I said to my team we have to make that change and come out strong."

Waterhouse hardly had a shot on goal and one of their best efforts came late in the game when substitute Nicholas Forbes struck a powerful shot from the edge of the 18-yard box, but that was safely parried by goalkeeper Jason Samuels.

Waterhouse coach Anthony Patrick admitted that his team was missing its competitive edge.

"We never played anything today. It was a flat game," said Patrick. "We saw where we went wrong," he continued, "the marking was poor and we lost a lot of first balls."

Flemming started the rout early when he converted a penalty. The more assertive Tivoli soon got their second when Friend tapped in a rebound from a Ryan Reid free kick. Waterhouse had failed to correct their defensive mistakes in the second half and a wide open Stern scored off a right-sided cross. Moments later Boyd could have gotten his first but kicked wide of goal after the 'keeper had given up any attempt to save the shot.

The former Wolmerian was on target, however, 10 minutes from time when he beat the goalie to an air ball to head into an open goal. Then just before the game ended, he completed the rout with a classy, curling shot around the goalie.

In other games, reigning champs Portmore United got by Seba United 3-0, Reno edged Village United 1-0, St. Georges and Sporting Central Academy drew 1-1 as did Arnett Gardens and August Town. At press time, the match between Boys' Town and Harbour View was still in progress.