Michael McLean, Gleaner Writer

Runaway leaders Black River United snatched the first championship for the 2007-08 St Elizabeth Wray and Nephew-sponsored Major League, following a convincing 3-0 win over Leeds United in the end of first round final at Appleton Estate on Sunday.

Kwayne Forrest, the team's leading goalscorer, netted all three goals in the 55th, 57th and 71st minutes to give the many-time champions the mid-season crown.

Coach of the Black River team, Clive Thompson, credited his team for defending stoutly in the first half when they were under heavy pressure, yet ended goalless.

Under pressure

"It was hard fought. We came under a lot of pressure in the first half but I knew my team could have come from behind to win the game," Thompson said. "We came out in the second half and continued playing our normal and basic game and it gave us the win."

Leeds coach Patrick Green said his team was not ready physically.

"The team's downfall was that we were not in any condition physically. The team is not fit, that's why we lost," Green said.

Leeds, which qualified for the final ahead of Super Action with a +6 goal difference, had the better of play in the first half and could only blame themselves for not leading as they had several clear chances to score.

The win placed the runaway leaders, who are also still unbeaten, on 34 points, 11 more than Leeds.