Sugar Boys score against Wolues during their semi-final clash on Sunday June 12 at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds in Road Town. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Action in the semi-final clash between Wolues and Sugar Boys. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The two top teams in the territory have met on many occasions and each time put on an exhilarating performance as each tried to outdo the other tactically and technically. The final is expected to be no exception.

Islanders edge Panthers

Panthers will consider themselves unlucky not to have put one over their illustrious semi final opponents, when they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Islanders, who were unable to break down the Panthers’ defense and reached the final on the back of a Francis Primo strike in the 13^th minute.

Many chances fell wanting in the second half and, although the Islanders could have and probably should have more than doubled their advantage, the Panthers too will feel aggrieved not to have at least got on the score sheet.

Sugar Boys get past Wolues

In the other semi final, the Wolues also held Sugar Boys at bay for 62 minutes, with goal keeper Andre Gaymes responsible for keeping the game goalless with an inspired first half performance and a string of fine saves. Simon Cross too stepped into the void left by the early injury to Nick Messum to marshal the Wolues defense with some resolute tackling.

However, as the game wore on, the Sugar Boys capitalised on the strength sapping work done by their opponents and Derol Redhead timed his soaring leap to perfection to head home the opener and finally beat Gaymes.

The lead was short lived though when the predatory Allesandro Pallandino latched onto a ball over the top, outpaced two Sugar Boy defenders and fired home the equaliser in the 81^st minute.

Suddenly, the Boys awoke from a slumber compared to their usual clinical play and broke the back of the Wolues resolve with two lightening quick goals, first from Roger Roberts in the 88^th minute and then Akeem Hendrikson in the 88^th to seemingly put the game to bed.

The Wolues though had different ideas, hit a post, missed out on a goal mouth scramble and scored again in added time, through Marc Savage and almost snatched an equaliser from a Cross free kick, before right at the final whistle Andres Bailey padded out the score line to 4-2.

Next Sunday, June 19, 2016 the Women’s final takes place at 5.00pm between VG United Ladies and Ballstars and that is followed at 7.00pm by the Islanders against Sugar Boys, with both games on the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds.