Sports & Games Santa Rosa FC, known as the ‘Big Cannons’ continued their reign at the top of the Premiership Division of the CNG National Super League on Sunday after thrashing defending champs T&T Defence Force 4-1 at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Tunapuna.
The win pushed the Cannons to 17 points in eight matches, winning five and losing just once. They hold a narrow one-point lead on Petrotrin Palo Seco and WASA Football Club, who are both on 16 points from the same amount of matches. After the game Clarke thanked his coach for the confidence he showed in him, saying he has not scored a goal in six matches.
“It feels good, the defending champions coming home in our arena. I went six games without a goal and I am thankful to the coach for showing that confidence and allowing me to play, and I got two today,” Clarke said.
Both his goals came from first-time finishes from crosses. He is now relishing the opportunity to face Siparia Spurs at home in their next match, noting that he wants to ensure that his team continues to lead the standings. Apart from the return of Clarke’s goal-scoring touch, the Big Cannons were also celebrating the performance of defender Curlan Dick who made his debut in the Super League with steady performance that helped keep the Army’s guns on safety mode.
Dick, who campaigned at the right back position, said although they gave away an early goal, his back-line stayed firm and supported each other. Having been elevated from the Eastern Football Association (EFA), Dick described the level of competition at the Super League as more physical and tactical, saying his next step is to cement his position with the Big Cannons for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, second-placed Petrotrin Palo Seco were also winners on Sunday, clobbering newcomers Queen’s Park CC by a similar 4-1 margin, following another double strike by Cory Cyrus in the 34th and 41st minutes. Romauld Aguillera opened the scoring for the southerners in the 30th while Angus John ended the scoring in the 43rd. The Parkites got their only goal from Jared Bennett in the 46th.
In other games WASA shut-out Real Maracas FC 2-0, courtesy goals from Nathan Julien and Glen Walker while fourth on the standings Matura Re United edged Club Sando Moruga 2-1. Kerin Vincent opened the scoring for Matura in the 16th minute and later he got the winner in the 85th minute, despite Club Sando’s equalising goal in the 60th minute from Nigel John.
Bethel United (Aaron Quashie 21st, Kevon Woodley 35th minute) defeated 1976 Phoenix (LeJandro Williams 83rd) 2-1 while Police FC got a double from Colin Williams in the 28th and 90th and another item from Jason Boodram in the 39th to clinch a 3-2 victory over Siparia Spurs.
The Spurs’ goals came from Keston Lindon (53rd minute) and Andy London in the 70th.
11