The stage is now set for the Barbados Football Association Champions Cup final, after two dramatic semi-final clashes delivered contrasting outcomes but the same result: two elite clubs booking their spot in the title decider. Defending champions Weymouth Wales turned in a clinical first-half performance to see off Brittons Hill United 3-1, led by veteran striker Armando “Sugar” Lashley who continued his red-hot scoring streak with a first-half brace. The match unfolded at the BFA Technical Centre on Sunday, where Lashley found the back of the net as early as the 4th minute, and doubled his tally just 11 minutes later to put the defending champions firmly in the driver’s seat. Before halftime, in the 42nd minute, defender Akeem Hill extended Weymouth Wales’ lead to three, putting the result almost out of reach for Brittons Hill.
Brittons Hill was not without opportunity in the opening 45 minutes, however, squandering at least two clear scoring chances that could have shifted the momentum of the tie. A late injury-time penalty converted by Cotrey Hoyte gave the side a consolation goal, but it was not enough to reverse the deficit. The defeat means Brittons Hill will return to the third-place playoff for the second straight year, a disappointing outcome for a side that had enough openings to compete much closer.
Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Weymouth Wales assistant coach Andrew Jean expressed satisfaction at returning to the Champions Cup final, but acknowledged room for improvement in his side’s second-half performance. “The first half was excellent, and we stuck to the game plan, as we moved the ball quickly and maintained possession,” Jean explained. “The second half was not so good, however we are working towards a bigger goal which is the final and the upcoming Caribbean Football Union competition. This week is going to be a lot of recovery, but obviously we’re here to win the game.”
The result marks a notable turnaround for Weymouth Wales, which struggled with inconsistent finishing for much of the current season after a rash of injuries depleted their starting roster. Jean credited the club’s focused behind-the-scenes training for the recent improvement in front of goal, singling out Lashley’s return to form as a major boost. “Our last five sessions were really just attacking drills, movement off the ball, one touch play, getting behind the defense,” he said. “We are also very happy that Sugar found some form. Everyone knows he is a top goal scorer.”
In the second semi-final, Division Two underdogs Mavericks – the lowest-ranked side remaining in the tournament – faced off against Paradise, and were on the wrong end of a dominant 10-0 defeat that saw Paradise cruise into the final. Boosted by the return of forward Jaron Ougtherson, who recently rejoined the club following a stint playing overseas, Paradise’s attack ran rampant throughout the 90 minutes. Ougtherson notched a first-half hat-trick, while forward Sheran Hoyte bagged four goals of his own to cap off the lopsided result. Even with the heavy loss, Mavericks can count themselves a little unlucky, after hitting the woodwork twice in the match, which would have given the youthful side at least one consolation goal.
After the match, Paradise head coach Mario Harte praised his squad for securing their place in the final, while also offering high praise for the young Mavericks side, tipping them to be a force to be reckoned with in coming years. “Obviously we’re happy with the victory, because it is a semi-final game regardless of the score,” Harte said. “The main thing is to make it to the final, which we did so congrats to the boys for that. Hard luck to the young Mavericks team. I hope that they hold their heads high and continue to build because their time will be coming soon. They have some very good talent.”