Photo by Adrian Frater
Orville Powell (left), the chairman of the JFF Western Confederation, presents the mid-season trophy for the Captain's Bakery Western Super League to Davin Wakkins, the captain of the victorious Salt Spring team. Salt Spring defeated Negril 2-1 in the final.

Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:

SALT SPRING captured the first title of the 2008 Captain's Bakery Western Super League in dramatic style at Jarrett Park on Friday night when they scored a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time win against Negril, after the teams had battled to 1-1 regulation time stalemate in the mid-season final.

"It was a gutsy performance by the players and I am very pleased with the way they equipped themselves tonight," said Joshua Cummings, the coach of Salt Spring. "This result tells us that once we continue to work hard and play good football, we can be champions at the end of the season." In a game in which both teams gave as good as they got, Salt Spring started with a bang, grabbing the lead in the first minute. A superb low cross by Vinroy Allen was met in full flight by Kenyatta Hill, whose diving header crashed into the roof of the net.

Salt Spring continued to look ominous in attack with Allen wreaking havoc on the right flank. However, Negril remained composed and should have pulled level in the 18th minute.

Kemmerley Wellington broke free before the goal but his shot went straight at the Salt Spring custodian.

With time running out in the half, Salt Spring just missed doubling their lead in the 43rd minute. Daryl Murray, breaking free out of midfield, cracked a savage volley which sailed inches wide of the far post with the goalkeeper caught out of position.

Excitement

Negril drew level with their first attack in the second half. The hard-working Oniel McIntosh capitalised on an error in the Salt Spring defence and fired into the back of the net from close range, making the score 1-1.

With the scores level, the excitement increased and both teams kept nothing in reserve, unleashing all-out attacks. During the heat of battle, both sides lost a player through red cards.

However, that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the players.

With the remainder of the second half yielding no further goals, it was down to extra time to break the deadlock.

In the first period, the pace remained brisk as the teams battled to break the deadlock. However, in the second period, Salt Spring finally got it right when Torey Samuels slotted the ball in from six yards.