La Clery and Vieux Fort South (VFS) played to a scintillating draw in the latest Saint Lucia Semi-Professional League Tier 1 action, at the Francis Baba Lastic Grounds in Gros Islet on September 7. Meanwhile, 2021 national champions Canaries compounded Soufrière’s misery by handing them their fifth loss in six games.
The premier matchup pitted defending champions, La Clery, against just-promoted Vieux Fort South. La Clery, who swept every senior men’s title in 2024, came into the game leading the league on 15 points, with wins in all five of their games. VFS, just a few years removed from being a dominant force in local football, were in fourth at the beginning of the evening, tied on points with Gros Islet and Canaries.
The fixture provided more than its fair share of drama. VFS found the back of the net at the end of the first half through Obafemi Poyotte, but he was ruled marginally offside. But their goal came, finally, at the death. With just five minutes remaining in regulation, captain Kimlan Mason sprinted from defense to make an interception. After a quick give-and-go just inside the opposition box, he lashed the ball across the face of goalkeeper Devone St Prix for a 1-0 advantage.
Less than three minutes later, Malik “Showtime” St Prix was upended approximately three yards outside the box. Ajani Hippolyte stood alone above the resultant free kick. The 20-year-old midfielder’s pace and precise placement confounded Vieux Fort custodian Glendan Ferdinand and restored parity. The shared points allowed both teams to consolidate their respective positions.
Soufriere had one win, but they never looked like getting their second against Canaries. The 2021 national champions got a brace from McArthur Louis in the first half to go into the interval 2-0 up on their west coast neighbours. Louis is now on four goals for the season. In the second period, Rio Longville made it 3-0, before Jahzani Henry pulled one back for the men from Sulphur City. Sixth in the table, Canaries are more or less keeping pace with Gros Islet and VFS.
