It was a beautiful day and a beautiful game at the MCC Grounds this evening, where only a handful of fans turned out to see the return benefit match for ailing former football star Delmar Sutherland. In this one, the Corozal veterans squad, dressed in the old La Victoria colors, had to come back from being down 2-nil to draw the game, 2-2, against a Belize City veterans squad including a core group of former Milpros players.
One time star defender Stephen “Crane” Michael and midfield general Frank Sharp joined the City veterans for this one, and they jumped to a 2-nil lead with goals from Anthony Michael and Robert Cunningham. But with the midfield weakened after substitutions for Frank Sharp, David “Manu” McCaulay and Robert Cunningham, as well as the loss of Crane Michael in defense, the scale turned in favor of the visitors, whose captain Rogelio “Pelon” Barajona had sat out the first half, but joined the action later to lead his squad to an impressive second half comeback. Both teams moved the ball with poise and sophistication that excited the few fans present. Marvin left his goal leading this time, and his substitute, Valentine Ferguson was left to weather the storm of a late surge from Corozal. Estevan Hall’s spectacular 25-yard left foot missile sank into the left pigeon hole, to cut the lead in half, and five minutes before the end, Pelon Barajona assisted Ismael John Trapp who tied it up for the 2-2 final score.
The man in the middle this evening was the veteran referee Oscar Ramos, who came out of retirement to volunteer his services for Delmar, and he spoke to both teams in the locker room before taking the field, reminding them that he will be in charge on the field, and wishing them all an enjoyable game. Veteran referee Albert “Girl I Love You” Robinson had also volunteered his services, but was called to duty with the Imperial Band. After the game, Oscar remarked that he thoroughly enjoyed the game himself, and was impressed by the level of play by the veterans. The few fans present shared his viewpoint, noting the high level of skill and play development, especially the patience in attack, displayed by the veterans, compared to some of the present day semipro encounters.
At a brief halftime ceremony, with both teams congregating in the north-eastern corner of the field, Marvin Ottley thanked the players for once again participating in the fund raising effort, and invited others to speak or present any gifts they might have for Delmar. Sports Director Anthony Michael took the opportunity to announce that he, Marvin, and a few others (Joe West, Jorge Vargas, Rene Perez and Orlando Vega) had formed a group called the Friends of Delmar and they would be opening a bank account and conducting other fund raising efforts, and receiving donations from the public to assist Delmar. They will also be spearheading efforts to create a fund to act as a sort of insurance to assist any past or present footballer, or any athlete, who is undergoing difficulties similar to Delmar.
One of the gifts Marvin announced he had received was a check ($200.00) from the Super League of Belize, which he handed to Delmar. Popular roots promoter Dara Robinson also made his personal donation to Delmar, including a Lucky Dube T-Shirt. He said he regrets not having been made a part of the promotion for Saturday, but he hopes that he might be able to organize a veterans’ marathon day, which he thought would be more effective to raise funds for Delmar, who expressed his appreciation to all who showed their support.
(N.B. The second game scheduled for today was not played, as Ilagulei did not appear for their match with BDF.)