The West Bay Hellcats defeated the Calabash Soldiers 12-6, in a gruelling semi-final battle at Ed Bush Field.

It took a nail biting, last minute overtime play to separate the two teams in the Island Air Flag Football League.

The Soldiers failed to capitalise on a play awarded to them in extra time and saw their last opportunity to win snatched away by a Hellcats interception.

Recognising that the long time rivals were pumped up for the occasion, referee, Bob Duty, gave them a stern warning just seconds before kickoff.

“We have had fights before in other matches. I want to make it clear to you that no fighting will be tolerated here today. My job here is very clear. If you don’t like the way I do it then you find another referee next year.” said Bob Duty.

The teams duly complied and the game was not marred by any unsavoury incidents.

The first 6 points of the game came in the first half after Soldiers player, William Peguero, dashed to a 20-yard touchdown after receiving a spectacular pass from star player, quarterback Glen Duran.

The Hellcats reply came from a valliant play by running back, Oliver Parker, who latched onto an air ball and sprinted 60 yards to touchdown.

The score remained tied at the end of regulation time, prompting Mr. Duty to declare extra time.

Amidst the tension, the Soldiers’ assistant coach, Nicholas Graham, accused referee Bob Duty of false calls during the game.

The annoyed referee, along with other match officials, walked over to Mr. Graham, where he reiterated his warnings against their protests.

Amidst the tension, Hellcats’ defensive linesman Damien “The Beast” Barboram, psyched his team up for the second half.

“They [Calabash Soldiers] shouldn’t even be playing on the same football field with us,” said the “Beast”.

The game’s extra time clincher came by way of an heroic interception by Hellcats’ line backer, number 22 Richard “Sniper” Allen. Straight after his teammate Kevin Maxwell registered a brilliant 60-yard touchdown.

Maxwell’s touchdown resulted from a strategic pass he received from his teammate, quarterback, Jacob “Frecko” Ebanks.

Calabash quarterback, Glen Duran told iNews that his team would have won, had it not been for the controversial decisions made by referee Duty.

“We had sure plays taken away from us by the referee. We should have made more plays to compensate for the calls that we were supposed to get.”

“There were at least 3 controversial calls made by the referee which might have robbed us of our victory.” said Glen.

The victorious Hellcats will be seeking to continue their winning streak and claim the coveted Championship Title when they face the Cox Colts in next week’s final.

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