Hood revel in title glory

Coach Derek Stapley believes his team’s “positive attitude” was key in overturning league leaders Flanagan’s Onions and winning their first Corona League crown.

A large and noisy crowd turned out at BAA on Friday night for a dramatic final-day decider between the top two sides.

A brace apiece from Onions’ Gary McRoberts and Hood’s Lloyd Holder left the game level before Gary Ray converted what turned out to be the match-winning penalty to prompt wild Robin Hood celebrations.

Stapley said: “Friday night was a fantastic example of what is great about the Corona League – we had a very entertaining, incredibly-competitive five-goal thriller in the last game of the season between the top two sides in the table with the winner taking home the league trophy. On this occasion the Hood prevailed but we know Flanagan’s Onions will be back even stronger next year.”

Stapley priased the “brilliant” Paul Fox in the Hood goal, who produced a string of agile saves to deny a Flanagan’s side that piled on the pressure in the final minutese.

Stapley added: “I was delighted with our team performance and of the contribution of every one of our players. 

“I was especially pleased to see the ever-green Gary Ray, our captain, be the one to step up and slam home a penalty kick in the second half.

“Winning the title is a great part of a successful season. However, for me it is much more important and rewarding to have been a member of a squad of players who work for each other, who have positive attitudes, who train together in rain or shine and who have fun and enjoy the game of football.

“I would like to thank again Mike McGrath  and his Corona management team plus the officials.

“I would like to say a huge thank you from all of the Hood squad to our very generous sponsors, The Robin Hood Pub and Restaurant.  

“Paul King, Arthur, Natasha and all of the staff look after us so well and we are delighted to be able to furnish the bar with the trophy where it sits proudly with its yellow and green ribbons.” 

Editor’s note: James Burton plays for Robin Hood. For a more offbeat look at Hood’s win check out Burton’s Banter at bermudasun.bm