Football-Agrics, division three champions |28 September 2006

With a game against third-placed Victoria Leopards to spare and having amassed 32 points, Agrics cannot be caught.

Formed in 1994 with the re-introduction of clubs here and known as Real Grand Anse until 2003 when they changed their name, Agrics have played in the third division ever since. 

Team manager Franky Julius sees the promotion to the second division as a boost for his team who do not even have a coach.

“We enjoy playing football and that’s why we played without a coach. We’ve struggled for a long time on our own and finally we’re leaving the bottom division. It has been a good season for us and we wanted to win the championship with an unbeaten record. But Bel Air denied us of the feat.
 Our last match against Victoria Leopards is just a formality,” manager Julius told Sports Nation.

Asked how he expects his team to fare in the second division next season, Julius replied:

“We will test the waters in the early games and we hope to improve and maintain our place in the second division at the end of the 2007 season. Two players – Allen Louise and Johnny Moustache (of The Lions who have been relegated to the second division after just one season in the top flight) – have shown an interest to join the team. We welcome them.”

Manager Julius added that their Land Marine Cup match against division two champions Foresters who are expected to eliminate St Roch, will give them an avant-goût of what to expect in the second best league here next year.

If Agrics have won promotion, the fight for the only play-off berth between St Francis and Victoria Leopards is still on.

St Francis have played all their 16 matches, winning eight, drawing four and losing four for 28 points, while Victoria Leopards have a match left to play. With 26 points after eight wins, two draws and five defeats, Victoria Leopards, formerly Cable & Wireless, have to win against Agrics to take the play-off.

If Victoria Leopards are held to a draw or lose to Agrics, St Francis will clash with second division ninth-place finishers Anse Etoile in the play-off.

G. G.