Howard Walker, Staff Reporter
Waterhouse players and fans celebrate after being presented with the Wray and Nephew Premier League trophy at Drewsland yesterday. Waterhouse, who won the title last Sunday, played to a 1-1 draw against league runners-up Harbour View yesterday. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A STUPENDOUS free-kick by Kevin Lamey yesterday capped a brilliant season for champions Waterhouse as they came from behind to draw 1-1 with runners-up Harbour View in their Wray and Nephew National Premier League game at Drewsland.
In a carnival atmosphere at the packed Waterhouse Mini-Stadium, the home team celebrated all evening as they waited to be presented with the 2006 Wray and Nephew trophy.
Waterhouse, winners in 1999, captured their second title and the $2 million prize money. Harbour View walked away with $850,000 for the runners-up spot.
Former Waterhouse player, Richard West, almost spoiled the party by powering home a header in the 45th minute to subdue the crowd.
However, substitute Lamey rose to the occasion and spared his team's blushes with a superb freekick in the 86th minute to level the score.
Just as Waterhouse's chances seem to be fading away Bruce Bicknell, the club chairman faded in the distance as his helicopter took his family away over the Red Hills.
Waterhouse finished atop the new look NPL league format with 69 points, five ahead of Harbour View on 64 with Tivoli Gardens snatching third on 57 points.
David Hobson, Wray and Nephew Brand Manager, said season was an extremely exciting one and urged the teams to be more prepared from the beginning.
"The league format is unbelievable with Harbour View having a 13-point lead and everyone thought is was boring but as the season went on Waterhouse sneaked up and now they are the champions of the Premier League. Every match counts," he noted.
"It is played in Europe so it can be played in the Caribbean as well," added Hobson.
Lamey, the league's top marksman scored his 22nd goal of the season and said this title is sweeter than the first in 1999.
"This one feels better than the last one. The whole occasion and coming on to score is tremendous," said Lamey.
"I haven't got a call but hopefully I will because my performance has shown over the years and I think when a player is performing he should represent his country," he added.
Winning coach Wayne Fairclough thanked the fans, management and sponsors for propelling his team to victory.
Harbour View coach Donovan Hayles said his team performed well under the circumstances. "I must laud the players for coming out and performing this way after being so disappointed during the week," he said.
"They have never beaten us in the league but it was disappointing for us not to win the league this year."
GOALSHEET
WATERHOUSE 1
Kevin Lamey 86th
HRBOUR VIEW 1
Richard West 45th.
