Elite women edge Scholars in thriller

By Cayman Sports Buzz
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Updated: 30 November 2016

A thrilling encounter in the CIFA Women’s League on 26 November saw Elite SC edging Scholars International 3-2.

Playing under the lights at the Ed Bush Stadium, Scholars International started well, controlling possession, with captain Jetena Bodden leading the charge in midfield. However, as the half progressed the teams shared the ball pretty evenly.

Elite’s Tamoy Phillips had the first good shot on goal but was denied by Scholars keeper Kristina Seymour.

As Scholars sought the lead, a quality cross from Arie Smith connected with Susani Lucas but Nikki Ebanks was there for the save. Shortly after, Elite captain Shanice Monteith fired a shot in from about 24 yards but hit the crossbar.

A scary moment after about a half hour of play when Elite’s Marlena Elwin went down after having difficulty breathing. After a lengthy stoppage, she was helped off the field and taken to hospital by ambulance. (We understand she is doing fine.)

When play resumed, Brittany Bodden, who had a good game playing on the left side up front, was inches away from giving Scholars the lead. She would get another chance in the 44^th minute and make it count. It was a sibling connection as Jetena played a good ball through to Brittany, who put it into the back of the net with a quality finish.

Scholars enjoyed a 1-0 lead at the half.

Elite pulled even six minutes into the second. Monteith’s corner kick was initially cleared off the line by defender Ashley Ebanks but Phillips tapped in the rebound for the equaliser. (see video below)

The score remained level until the 81^st minute, when a handball in the box by an Elite defender resulted in a penalty kick for Scholars. Jetena Bodden stepped to the spot and coolly placed it past Ebanks, as Scholars retook the lead.

Four minutes later, Monteith launched a free kick from at least 30 yards out that got past Seymour, who was fooled by the bounce and watched hopelessly as the ball went into the goal.

The game featuring two evenly matched teams was reflected on the scoresheet with only a few minutes remaining. The anticipation was building for a climatic finish as neither side appeared willing to share the points.

The faithful who gathered at the West Bay sporting ground were rewarded in added time when Phillips provided the winner from an assist for Monteith.

This was Elite’s second win in three games, while Scholars now have one draw and one loss in the short season.

The scheduled fixture at the Annex between Sunset FC and Alliance FC saw Sunset picking up three points without needed to step on the pitch due to a forfeit by newcomers Alliance. It’s understood the Cayman Islands Football Association will be providing the club with a notice of failing to show for a match and the club cannot afford a recurrence.