by Renaldo GilkesThere were outstanding victories for Trents and Mackeson Brittons Hill when the Barbados Football Association’s Division 2 and 3 play-offs continued last Thursday night at the National Stadium. Trents placed one hand on the Division 3 title by defeating St James neighbours Haynesville 2-0, while Brittons Hill destroyed Empire 5-1 in the Division 2 encounter.There was a festive atmosphere as the Trents supporters travelled with their instruments and dominated the environment with their chants and banter, which paid off, as a double-strike from Eric Powlett ensured a comfortable victory.Brittons Hill showed no respect or remorse on one of the oldest and most dignified sports clubs in Barbados, handing Empire a 94th birthday gift they would gladly refuse.Empire, who breezed through their group with 27 points from eight wins and just three draws, were considered formidable opponents for the Valery lads, who drew against Deacons on Monday.Brittons Hill needed a victory in order to have a chance of winning the Division 2 title, and they made their intentions clear from the initial whistle. Despite the early running from Brittons Hill, it was Empire who had the best opportunity to open the scoring. But former national midfielder Roger “Honda” Proverbs failed to beat custodian Orlando Carew from the penalty spot. Brittons Hill soon capitalised on Empire’s foul-up, as Alvin Welch scored in the 34th minute.Brittons Hill had the chance to double their lead in the 55th minute. Nifty playmaker Rondelle Vaughn teased his way past Winfield Williams, who brought him down in the area. It was Williams’ second bookable offence and he received his marching orders. Vaughn took the spot kick, but his shot was bravely blocked by goalie Dario Weir, a Lodge School student who did well to limit the score line.Vaughn did compensate for his miss by scoring a hat-trick, netting in the 69th, 91st, and 93rd minutes – the last one from the penalty spot. Welch completed the rout with his second in the 93rd minute.Winston Douglas got the lone goal for Empire, in the 71st minute.Empire will now have to regroup for the Deacons clash if they are to secure a place in the popular Super 8 tournament, but it will not be easy against a hungry Deacons team seeking not just a place in the Super 8 but the Division 2 title.
