CHAMPIONS Vibe CT105 W. Connection began the 2006 T&T Pro League season in much the same way as they did last year by coming away with full points from their round one match with United Petrotrin on Saturday at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Balmain, Couva.
But it took some work to break down a stubborn Petrotrin defence which was marshalled by ex-Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Anthony Rougier.
Defending with almost the entire team in their own half at times, United Petrotrin held firm until the stroke of half-time when speedy Kendall Davis ghosted through their backline, before stroking a right-footer wide of Perry Martin and into the goal.
Martin, a recruit from Caledonia AIA, had been busy fending off W Connection earlier, but had no chance with Davis' strike.
Connection had put the ball in the net earlier, in the 24th minute, when striker Andre Toussaint looked to have done enough to bundle Earl Jean's pass over the Petrotrin goal line. But, in a controversial moment, the goal was not given by the match officials.
Among the spectators at the Couva stadium was T&T national coach, Dutchman Leo Beenhakker, who made an appearance, but apparently did not see anything worth keeping him there after half-time.
Beenhakker should have waited a while longer, though, as Davis produced a spectacular second goal in the 49th minute from just outside the penalty area , volleying home a poor clearance when the Petrotrin defence failed to deal with a corner kick.
Petrotrin only discarded their defensive shell after conceding the second goal and spent the next ten minutes camped in the W Connection half.
Ijanar Mark, a much-travelled striker who has played with Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive, San Juan Jabloteh and Tobago United, was the champs' main tormentor on the right flank.
Mark's teasing low cross created so much problems in the W Connection defence in the 55th minute that goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams momentarily injured himself trying to deal with it.
Eventually, though, Petrotrin's attacks ran out of steam and they were sunk by Connection captain Earl Jean, who left Martin with no chance when rifling a stunner from out side the penalty area.
Had Beenhakker still been there he might have been considering the option of converting the veteran St Lucian striker to one of his Soca Warriors.
After a weak punt from keeper Martin was intercepted in midfield, the ball was passed to Jean who turned atop the penalty area and struck a sizzler away from the keeper's dive and into the back of the net.
Petrotrin were well and truly cooked and were lucky not to concede a couple more. Andre Toussaint and substitute Devon Mitchell both came close but, regardless, W. Connection signalled they will be a force to reckon with again this season.
T&T PRO LEAGUE RESULTS:
Saturday
Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA 1 (Jason Cudjoe, 39th) vs Defence Force 0
CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Otis Seaton, 66th) vs San Fernando Starworld Strikers 0
Superstar Rangers 2 vs Tobago United 0
Vibe CT105 W. Connection 3 (Kendall Davis (2) 45th, 49th; Earl Jean, 73rd) vs United Petrotrin.