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Super League finals game 1 – a smashing success

SportsSuper League finals game 1 – a smashing success
The Super League of Belize made a crowning achievement yesterday in Benque Viejo with the highly successful opening of the finals series for the championship in its inaugural year of competition. In front of a large crowd of local fans and visitors from other districts, the ceremony followed the traditional protocol of a national championship match – the two teams lined up facing the crowd, the national anthem expertly played by a big march band, and a short address by the Mayor of Benque Viejo. And then the two teams competing for the championship, home team Benque D.C. United and visiting Texmar Boys from Independence, took to the field and put on an exciting, crowd pleasing display of competitive, quality football.   
 
An early afternoon shower had left the ground damp and slippery in spots, and it may have resulted in a few missed opportunities on both sides, but it didn’t take away from the sophisticated passing game that both teams employed. There were thrills and thrills, on both sides, as time winded down and each team came close to getting the game winner. But good shots at goal were hard to get from the slippery pitch in the goal area, and from regulation it went to overtime, with the same result. With fans on their feet, the penalty shootout went down to the last shot, and a winner, Texmar Boys, who now get a chance to clinch the championship if they can win game two next week on their home turf in Independence.
 
The end was of course a disappointment for the losers, but it was a great game, and a great day for football in Benque Viejo, and a great day for the Super League of Belize. It was also an especially rewarding day for Super League official Ruperto Vicente, who only a year ago was poised to become the new President of the FFB, except that some irregularities stymied his bid to lead Belize football. Rather than get into a confrontation with the incumbent FFB President, Mr. Vicente elected to offer his efforts and assistance to the fledgling new Super League whose members shared one thing in common with him – a desire to run football in a manner that respects the will of the league members and fans, and that is accountable and transparent with the funds that are utilized by the league.
 
The Super League, with its spectacular showing yesterday, has accomplished quite a lot in its first year under the stewardship of Mr. Vicente, league founder Mr. Michael Blease, other executive members and affiliated club organizations. It has successfully completed its regular season for a national semipro competition with teams from all districts except Corozal; the four-team playoffs are finished; the first game of the championship finals is history; and the focus goes to the south next week, when a champion may or may not be crowned.
 
Should Benque win in Independence, there could be an even greater final match showdown in the media capital, Belize City; and that would be a dandy. But there are no guarantees it won’t end in Independence, and it’s not a game you would want to miss. It’s a man’s game, and it must get rough sometimes; but what makes these two teams such a pleasure to watch, is that their philosophy is obviously to focus on playing “ball” instead of “man”, and it adds to the tactical intrigue and artistry of “the beautiful game”. Whoever wins game two, it should be a joy to watch.    

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