Action from the 2015 Windward Islands Men's Championship opener between St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Grenada (green jersey) on May 12, 2015, in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia. (Photo: Anthony Debeauville)
VIEUX FORT, St. Lucia – St. Vincent & the Grenadines took the early advantage as the 2015 Windward Islands Football Association Men's Championship got underway on Tuesday with a doubleheader at the Philip Marcellin Grounds.
The Vincy Heat edged Grenada 3-2 in an opener that featured a pair of two-goal performances, as well as a couple of ejections.
Myron Samuel notched the game-winner from the penalty spot shortly after Shane Rennie committed an infraction in the box, resulting in his 84th minute dismissal for a second yellow card.
Prior to the 29-year-old midfielder's departure, though, Rennie had netted twice. His brilliant free-kick made it 1-1 in the 39th minute and he leveled once again 40 minutes later.
Emerald George gave St. Vincent & the Grenadines a 1-0 in the 34th minute, while Samuel made it 2-1 with a 76th minute strike.
St. Vincent’s Dorren Hamlet was shown a second caution in the 90th minute.
St. Lucia 1, Dominica 1
In the evening’s second fixture, defending-champion St. Lucia and Dominica played to a 1-1 draw in front of a capacity crowd.
The host started a unit that included five overseas players. One of those, 19-year-old Malik St. Prix, opened the scoring in the 16th minute.
A tactical change in the second half by Dominica head coach Shane Marshal paved the way for an equalizer. The manager decided to play with a second striker, which led to Glenworth Elizee’s goal with seven minutes left in normal time.
The tournament continues on Thursday with Grenada taking on Dominica in the first match, followed by a meeting between St. Lucia and St Vincent & the Grenadines.
