The 10-4 win for the Bahamas over Barbados looked to be a runaway, a tight match, a runaway the other direction, a close game, and then it turned out to be a comfortable win for the Rake and Scrape Boys. The Bahamas netted the first two goals before giving up the lead, only to earn it back, before pulling away in the second and third periods. Both sides showed extreme resiliency and will be tough-outs in their upcoming matches. The win gives the Bahamas the first points in the event and they will hold onto those going into their next match on Monday against Antigua and Barbuda. Barbados will be disappointed in how they finished but they were strong to begin the match and could have very well held onto the lead and they will build on the going forward against the USA on Monday.
The teams came out hungry for quick goals and the chance to make a strong opening statement. The Bahamas did that first, with two first period goals that could have very well broken the spirits of Barbados but the Bajan Pride answered with a goal of their own to pull the score back to 2-1. The equalizer soon followed and the high scoring affair was just getting started. Barbados continued their strong push and took the first lead, late in the frame, only to see the Rake and Scrape Boys level things at 3, going into the first break. The deadlock lasted only a few minutes into the middle frame when Bourne of Barbados scored his second goal to move the score to 4-3 for his side. The scoring onslaught continued with the teams exchanging goal after goal, and the lead switched hands once again with the Bahamas regaining a two goal cushion, leaving the score at 6-4 going into the last frame.
The Bahamas were not comfortable with only a two goal lead against the pesky Barbados side, so they pushed the tempo and really found their stride on the offensive end, bursting forward, which was nothing new to the game, but the difference was that they began to clamp down on defense and did not allow Barbados to climb back. With the game seemingly out of reach, the Bahamas turned to their defense and close out the game without allowing another goal and when the final whistle sounded, the Rake and Scrape Boys were up 10-4, setting the bar high for the upcoming matches.
Goals: 1-0: St Fleur, min. 10 (1); 2-0: Hanna, min. 8 (1); 2-1: Beckles, min. 7 (1); 2-2: Bourne, min. 5 (1); 2-3: Best, min. 2 (1); 3-3: Joseph, min. 1 (1); 3-4: Bourne, min. 7 (2); 4-4: Christie, min. 3 (2); 5-4: Jean, min. 2 (2); 6-4: Augustine, min. 0 (2); 7-4: King, min. 10 (3); 8-4: Mc Dougall, min. 9 (3); 9-4: Mc Dougall, min. 7 (3); 10-4: Augustine, min. 3 (3).
Photo credit: Manuel Queimadelos/beachsoccer.com