Organizers and players representing the clubs participating in the 2022 Serge St Thomas Major League pose for a photo during the recent launch of the competition.
ST Thomas Football Association President Wayne Thompson welcomed the return of organized football to the parish after the Serge-sponsored Major League ended in 2020 due to the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Thompson said the St Thomas Major League is a welcome return, a sentiment shared by many, not just football-loving fans in the parish, but also business people, including those involved in food and transport.
“One of the things about our football is that it’s not just about the clubs. It is also about the people who benefit, such as small businesses, transportation, and the man who sells peanuts, sugar cane, juices and snacks, etc. in the games. “Thompson told the Jamaican Observer.
“Those things mean a lot to us and with football, everyone wants to see you play. Aside from the entertainment, the players want to play because they are hungry for competition. Remember, we have corner leagues playing, but people are not motivated unless see structured football playing. We are very happy for the return of Major League competition,” he said.
For the competition, he said that eight teams met all the requirements within the deadline to register with the league. However, a provision has been made for all participants to fill out their players and administrators in the Fifa Connect systems before they are allowed to play in the competition. The Port Morant All Stars did not meet this requirement, so they were eliminated from the competition.
In action on September 11, Bath Sports Club (SC) defeated Yallahs All Star 2-1. Kayeel Remekie scored in the 67th minute and Thorn Dyre scored in the 83rd minute for bath SC, while Tamar Francis scored for Yallahs in the 80th minute.
In other games, Elite SDC Football Club (FC) and the White Horses were tied 2–2 at the final whistle. Kemar Beckford (35th) and Luchen Houchen (59th) scored for Elite SDC FC, while the White Horses got their goals from Kenroy Roberts (47th) and Jermnine Frankson (80th).
After those games, perennial winners Seaforth Sports Club (SC), Bath (SC) and York United led the table with five points each from three games. All three teams had won one game and drawn the other, with Seaforth having a better goal difference of plus two compared to Bath SC and York United on plus one each.
—Ruddy Allen