In a spectacular display of athletic prowess, Northern United Football Club secured consecutive championship titles at the Bay Bay Cup 2026, triumphing over Gros Islet Youth with a 4-2 scoreline during Independence Day celebrations. The electrifying final, held at Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds, captivated a vibrant audience with its high-intensity gameplay and strategic execution.
The match commenced with an explosive first half featuring five goals. Gros Islet Youth’s Shevon Byron, later honored as the tournament’s Most Outstanding Youth Player, initiated the scoring through an 8th-minute penalty conversion. Northern United promptly responded with Dewonte Howell equalizing via another penalty shot merely three minutes later. Traylon Henry then propelled the defending champions ahead with a 29th-minute strike, though Gros Islet’s Mekhi Stanislas leveled the score again in the 35th minute. Henry’s second goal just before halftime established a critical 3-2 advantage for Northern United.
Post-interval, the match evolved into a tactical battle with both sides vying for control. Jerquan Joseph’s decisive 75th-minute goal cemented Northern United’s victory, securing not only the prestigious trophy but also a $7,000 monetary prize. Gros Islet Youth received $4,000 as runners-up, while New Generation claimed third place and $2,000 after defeating Monchy 3-1 in the preliminary playoff.
The awards ceremony recognized exceptional individual performances: Jamal Howell (Outstanding Goalkeeper), Kerdim Agdomar (Outstanding Defender), Thierry Morille (Outstanding Midfielder), Troy Greenidge (Top Scorer), Shevon Byron (Outstanding Youth Player), and Samuel Louisien (Tournament MVP).
Honorable Kenson “Bay Bay” Casimir, Minister for Education, Youth Development and Sports and Parliamentary Representative for Gros Islet, attended the event and emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing football development within the constituency, expressing aspirations for semi-professional league success in the upcoming season.