Cave Hill, Empire on top in PM’s Cup action

Cave Hill and Empire were both unstoppable in their opening round of Group F matches in the Prime Minister’s Cup, which continued on Wednesday night in Haynesville, St James. 

Before the start of both games, St James South representative Sandra Husbands met with the four playing teams and officials in front of yet another large crowd. 

With an authoritative approach, Cave Hill had Martindales Road under pressure from the first whistle, and eventually won 3-1. Empire did not spare the rod against United Stars Alliance, hammered 6-2 in the final game of the night. 

Under the commands of captain and defender Kemar Watson, Cave Hill kept the attacking third busy, floating the ball around and scoring at the opportune time. 

The three goals scored for Cave Hill were by Rojae Collins in the 11th minute, top central forward Riviere Williams in the 37th minute and Captain Watson rounded out the night for his team with a goal in the 90+6 minute.

Martindales Road Captain Rico Graham commanded proceedings at the back and they eventually scored in the first half when striker Eric Joseph found the goal in the 45+1 minute. 

The men from Martindales Road had only themselves to blame after missing several goal-scoring opportunities. Most of which stemmed from corner kicks and free kicks awarded but never materialised because of the solid defensive work from Cave Hill. 

Martindales Road then found themselves at a numerical disadvantage when defender Terrell Bennett was red carded for fouling Collins in pursuit of goal during the 86th minute. 

Riviere Williams scored for Cave Hill Club (in blue) over Martindales Road.

The featured game of the night was packed with eight goals between Division One teams Empire Club with a dominating 6-2 win against United Stars Alliance. 

A youthful Empire team led 2-1 at halftime with first half goals accounted for by Steffon Doyle in the 8th minute and fellow attacker Mario Phillips followed through moments later with another magnificent strike in the 22th minute. 

During the second half, Terry Rollock (50th), Kemar John (60th), Zuhri Morris (75th) and Renaldo Bignall (90’ +4th) contributed to the Empire scoreline. 

Credit to Alliance for battling through during the first 20 minutes of the match and finding the equaliser through Zachary Browne in the 17th minute. The dedication and commitment of Browne paid off after he constantly kept pressuring the Empire’s defensive third. 

Alliance won a distant free kick in the 86th minute, which Tidre Arthur stepped up and scored for his team despite it being a bit too late. Empire was in total control and never looked back. 

The Prime Minister’s Cup moves to Brereton, St Philip on Friday, September 6 when Parish Land plays Deacons in the 6:00 pm game. St Andrew Lions and Notre Dame will meet in the 9:00 p.m. match. (AS)