Claudia Gardner, Gleaner Writer

STEWART

Lucea, Hanover:

Rusea's High School created history again in Lucea, after they defeated Green Island High 4-0 to lift the first ever Hanover High Schools' Football Challenge Cup on Saturday.

Rusea's, who were propelled to victory through a double strike by midfielder Horace Maxwell, went ahead in the 22nd minute through Roydel Moncrieffe who outran Green Island's defenders before out-manoeuvring the goalkeeper Randre Graham.

Maxwell later capitalised on a lose ball in th 35th minute which he slammed into the right hand corner of the Green Island goal.

On target

Maxwell was again on target in the 50th minute, followed by Keniel Brown who slotted home in the 65th minute, leading Rusea's to register its hold on the Hanover High Schools Challenge Cup and the $50,000 cash prize.

Green Island were awarded the runner-up trophy and $20,000 and second place medals.

Both teams reached the finals following Green Island's 1-0 defeat of Merlene Ottey High School and Rusea's 6-0 battering of the same school (Merlene Ottey) in the first games held at Rusea's last Saturday. This was after Knockalva High School failed to show for their game against Rusea's.

The competition is the brainchild of Hanoverian, Lloyd 'Bagga' Stewart, a former Rusea's junior footballer who originally hails from Johnson Town in Lucea.

Stewart told The Gleaner he was pleased with the talent and the good sportmanship he saw on display.

"The game was fantastic. I am pleased as the discipline was good. Although Green Island played well, the Rusea's defenders locked them down," Stewart said.

"Rusea's had a unit which came with a game plan, but Green Island did well and I am well pleased."