St. George’s, May 21, 2012 – Queen’s Park Rangers (QPR) are winners of the first-ever football tournament hosted at Old Trafford for players 40 years and older.
A goal by Ricky Logan gave QPR a one-nil victory over St. Paul’s on Sunday in the championship game, which was witnessed by a festive and appreciative crowd at Tanteen, St. George’s.
Live entertainment was provided by reigning panorama champions, Republic Bank Angel Harps, together with a display of ball-juggling skills by Douglas “Bob Boy’’ Hood.
Following Sunday’s game, there was a presentation of team and individual prizes.
The player of the game was goal scorer Logan of QPR. He received the most valuable player (MVP) trophy that was donated and presented by Peter David, MP for the Town of St. George.
“When I gave my support to having Old Trafford rehabilitated and refurbished, this football competition was the kind of activity I envisaged taking place here,’’ David told reporters. “The tournament was exciting, it was well-run, and it received good community support.’’
David said he plans to continue with efforts to complete other small community projects in his constituency, which will be financed through a proposed trust fund.
“I intend to invite Grenadians who once lived in the Town of St. George, but are now residing in the Diaspora, to contribute to the trust fund,’’ David said.
The Old Trafford Over-40 competition, which began in March, was sponsored by United Insurance.
Manager Trevor Renwick said the sponsorship was in keeping with the company’s support for the development of sports in Grenada.
He noted that for 20 years, United Insurance has sponsored a secondary schools’ cricket competition in Grenada.
The organizing committee for the Over-40 competition, chaired by Michael St. John, said that among the tournament’s objectives were rekindling the community’s pride and unity; and remembering and recognizing outstanding St. George’s footballers of the past, including players who were part of 1970s Old Trafford teams such as Nautico, All Blacks and Ajax.
Of the dozens of players who were involved in the just-concluded Over-40 tournament, only three were part of the inaugural 1970s competition – Honved’s Douglas “Bob Boy’’ Hood, and Michael “Boose’’ Cyrus and Lincoln “Toro’’ Depradine of Carenage.
“Old Trafford is our place once again,’’ said broadcaster Lew Smith, MBE, who chaired Sunday’s closing ceremony and announced the prize winners.
They included the tournament’s MVP, Francis Phillip of QPR; the oldest player, George Robinson of St. Paul’s; and South Patriots who captured third place.
Awards were also presented to United Insurance and to the competition’s linesmen and referees.
