The National U14 squad returned from a four-team Tournament in St Maarten over the weekend of May 18 to 20, 2018, with the runners-up trophy tucked proudly under their arms. Photo: BVIFA

Despite having lost their first two games, to a very strong and fit St Maarten and Martinique teams, the boys rallied to beat eventual Champions, the USVI 2- 0.

Day two began with an upset when the USVI beat St Maarten on penalties in the first semi-final. Then, the VI played their hearts out in the next semi-final against favourites Martinique.

It was mighty versus the young underdogs. The VI got an early first goal which put the favourites on the back foot, and the VI then endured shot after shot until Martinique equalised just before halftime.

The 2nd half was all about defence, and the boys managed to hold on to a draw and then move onto a nail-biting penalty shoot, which the boys won.

The final itself began as a very tight game with both teams taking time to settle their nerves and find patterns of play. However, the USVI scored first and shortly after a Denvin Jones effort flew narrowly wide, the USVI doubled their lead on the stroke of halftime.

Whatever Coach Manley said at halftime, certainly had the desired effect as the boys went on the offensive. It was still 2-0 with less than five minutes to go, but then following a series of corners the USVI began to wilter and a defensive area led to a penalty, which was coolly converted by Sheldon Toney, who only 2 hours ago was in the back of ambulance on the way to the hospital to get his ankle checked out.

The VI was done yet though, and with the ref’s whistle on its way to his mouth, another corner flew across the USVI box and Denvin Jones rose high to nod home the equaliser.

The whole weekend was filled with highs and lows, and it did not stop there, as the tired legs and exhausted minds tried to raise themselves up over one more hurdle.

However, it proved one mountain too many and the USVI ran out 4-2 winners.