Football: Barclays league divisions one and two play-offs-St Roch promoted, Mont Buxton brush aside Mont Fleuri’s challenge |18 November 2009

St Roch won promotion at the second attempt after failing last year in the play-off to Foresters.
Friday’s match was a do-or-die one for SMB as they were desperate to hang on to their first division place since their promotion in 2004.

However, St Roch, packed with former first division players, had other ideas as captain Daven Belle gave them the lead in the 15th minute.

Colin Laporte levelled matters five minutes later and SMB went on to miss some gilt-edged chances before the break.

St Roch restored their advantage in the 63rd minute as SMB’s goalie Elvis Leopold failed to hold Steven Télémaque’s cross and the ball fell to Richard Javotte on the penalty edge. He let fly with a swinging shot which Brian Ravinia attempted to flick on with his head, helping to wrong-foot Leopold (2-1).

SMB’s cause was further hampered as Laporte, who had soldiered on for sometime after a head injury, had to be replaced and was carried to hospital.

Both teams had good penalty appeals turned down by referee Jacques André as the pressure intensified in the later stages of the match.

In the 83rd minute, SMB’s substitute Terence Kilindo should have equalised from Gerard Basset’s teasing cross but he misguided his far post header.

Six minutes later as SMB pressed, Roy Julie chased a long ball to win possession from Serge Asba. He raced clear to fire past Leopold to make it 3-1 to send wild celebrations in the St Roch camp and their vociferous supporters.

St Roch manager Michael Delpeche told Sports Nation of his happiness after witnessing his team’s promotion, but noted that it had been a difficult season.

Mont Buxton – Mont Fleuri

Mont Buxton retained their second division status with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Mont Fleuri on Thursday.

Willis Denis gave Mont Buxton the lead on the half hour mark and Jude Estico extended their advantage three minutes later for a 2-0 half-time score.

In the 68th minute, Richard Servina made it 3-0, but a minute later Mont Fleuri’s Jeffrey Larue reduced the deficit to 1-3.

However, Neil Romain restored Mont Buxton’s lead in the 74th minute before Steve Savy sealed the victory in the 86th minute to condemn Mont Fleuri to another season in third division.

R. J-L.