Tommaso Leone of Agrigento Calcio became the first captain to lift the ‘Luxol Challenge Trophy’ last Thursday after his team won the final against Paola Hibernians, in the first Edition of the St Andrew’s Christmas International Tournament held at the Luxol Stadium.

After beating Paola Hibernians narrowly by a solitary goal in Group A, in the most balanced match of this group, last Thursday they went over to win with a convincible result of 8-1. At first, as the score was still 2-1, Paola H fought bravely; as they did throughout the Tournament, but then, when Agrigento headed seriously for goal, it was one way traffic second half.

Agrigento had also won Group A winning all their matches, followed by Paola Hibernians who only lost against the Sicilians. In Group B Mosta, who came second to Raith Rovers, beat the Scots 2-1 in their last match of the Group. They where also the only Maltese Nursery to play against both foreign teams.

Results of the last two days of the Tournament: Group A: Paola H. 0 – Agrigento 1. Group B: Melita 0 – Raith Rovers 3, Mosta 2 – Raith Rovers 1. Group A: Valletta 3 – St Andrew’s 3. Group B: Tarxien R 0 – Raith Rovers 5. Semi Finals: Agrigento 3 – Mosta 0. Paola 2 – Raith Rovers 1. Final: Agrigento 8 – Paola H 1.

During the week’s Football Festive the three Categories produced 289 goals in 55 matches played, 60 of which scored during the 15 matches played in the 1997 Category and only 7 yellow cards were shown overall.

Addressing the finalists at the presentation, Mr.Pippo Psaila said that looking back at the statistics of this first International Tournament organized at the Luxol Stadium, proofs that the objectives were reached as expected, those of Respect and Goals. He thanked all participants, who with their discipline gave this Tournament a very positive start. He also thanked the MFA referees, for their 5-star performance during the Tournament.

Agrigento and Raith Rovers, who are willing to participate next season, praised the organization of the Tournament and were both impressed with the good standard of the Maltese referees.

Present for the presentation were MFA President Mr Norman Darmanin Demajo, Mr Ludovico Micallef, Fr Hillary Tagliaferro, Mr Joe Micallef and Mr Robert Attard.

At the end of the closing speeches, Fr Hillary Tagliaferro presented the Luxol Challenge Trophy to the Agrigento Captain.