Ascension : Flipper Trophy Knockout Competition – Week 1
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Internet Editor) 18.09.2008 (Article Archived on 02.10.2008)
The 7th running of the annual Flipper Trophy began last weekend; the tournament is run as a dedication to the memory of Andrew “Flipper” Bennett
The 7th running of the annual Flipper Trophy began last weekend; the tournament is run as a dedication to the memory of Andrew “Flipper” Bennett and Sunday’s game began with the players and officials standing around the centre circle to observe a minute’s silence.
Two goals in a minute from Chrissie George sees Rowdies beat the Banana Bunch into next week’s semi-final
Two Boats Rowdies 3 v 1 Banana Bunch
The Rowdies, playing in red did not make things easy for the Press by playing in shirts without numbers and the situation worsened when the panel of three female “experts on the young men of Ascension” left me when, at the first sign of rain, they dashed for the port-a-cabin shrieking about their hair! So apologies if I get the odd name wrong!
The Bananas playing in a black strip (perhaps they’d gone-off?) got off to a flying start when Clayton “Smeagol” Benjamin scored the game’s opening goal with a shot across the area into the top right corner of the net, giving the Rowdies’ Keeper, Steve Bassi no chance.
The Rowdies replied with a throw in on the left from “’Bluecoat” which was headed wide. Chrissie George then had a chance blocked by the Bananas’ Keeper, Darrell Henry, and then fired a shot wide to the right. Darren Henry then found himself one-on-one with Darrell who blocked Darren’s shot for a throw in from which the Rowdies got a corner, which was also blocked.
The Rowdies equaliser came from a Chrissie George tap in after good work from man-of-the-match Tony King. Within a minute the Rowdies were celebrating taking the lead when Chrissie George netted his second goal.
The Bananas then missed out on a good opportunity to draw level when Leroy Fowler hit a penalty kick wide of the left post, which will teach him to “take the mick” out of John Terry’s tragic slip in last season’s Champion’s League Final!
To make matters worse for the Bananas, Darren “Speedie” Henry lobbed the ball over Darrell Henry for the Rowdies third goal. Moments later “Speedie” had a one-on-one with Darrell but this time, as the ball bounced high the Banana’s Keeper was able to punch it clear.
Chrissie George shot wide at the end of a flowing Rowdies move while at the other end Daniel Yon took the ball down outside the area but shot high and wide of the Rowdies’ goal and the first half ended once Leroy had shot wide to the right of the Rowdies goal.
At the beginning of the second half Leroy Fowler was fowled going into the box but Clayton Benjamin’s chose to blast his free kick wide of the right post instead of floating the ball into the area where his team mates were waiting.
For the Rowdies, Chris “What-are-we-going-to-do-without-King-Kevin” Yon had his shot from outside the area saved by Darrell and then Chrissie George ran at the Banana’s goal, but I couldn’t see what happened next as my view was blocked by the substantial form of Charles Williams. The touchline had, until Charles’ arrival, been much quieter than in previous tournaments when Jimmy Bennett used to harangue all and sundry. (Congratulations to Joyce and Jimmy Bennett who were celebrating their 31st wedding anniversary on St Helena on Sunday.)
With Charles’ “encouragement” ringing in the Banana’s ears (and mine!) Steve (the Sergeant at US Base) crossed the ball into the side netting and then took a corner for the Bananas. This was followed by what would have been a good free kick from “Blockie” had there been more Bananas in the area to get on to the end of his cross. Finally Melvin Moyce was beaten by Sergeant Steve and was then forced to concede a corner which the Rowdies cleared.
At the other end Chrissie George shot wide before Johnny Stroud had a shot parried by Darrell who was then saved by his post as “Speedie” fired the rebound goal wards.
For the Bananas Clayton Benjamin danced with the ball at the edge of the area before shooting high before the Rowdies nearly scored a fourth as “Blockie” nearly put the ball into his own net, but his blushes were saved by his Keeper.
As the Banana’s became ever more desperate to get a goal back, Sergeant Steve crossed into the box for Clayton Benjamin who skied the ball over bar. Leroy then hit a Banana’s corner straight out over the Rowdies bar.
The Rowdies finished the game looking the stronger side as Chris “Hull-are-a-good-side-honest” Yon tried a speculative lob from within his own half, but Darrell was equal to it, catching the ball. Darrell next had to save from Julian Fuller after he had beaten Jamie Ellick on the edge of the area and hit his shot at the top left of the goal. Moments later Julian found himself clear on goal but scuffed his shot wide.
Leroy had a volley palmed away by Rowdies’ Keeper Steve for a corner from which the ball came to “Ricco” Williams who hit it into the side netting.
So after a goalless 2nd half, the Rowdies beat the Bananas 3 v 1.
This coming weekend the Dream Team will play the Retards on Saturday and VC Milan will play this week’s winners the Rowdies on Sunday, both games will be played at Long Beach and will start at 4pm. Come and support the teams and the tournament.
Geoff
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