Vasco became only the third team to win back-to-back Martonmere Cup titles on Saturday when they retained their title with a convincing win at the National Stadium.

In this the 24th Martonmere Cup final, Vasco stretched their unbeaten streak for the season to nine matches (eight wins, one draw) and the most asked question now is when will it end -- and by whom? "Eventually, with Murphy's Law, someone will beat us,'' Vasco coach John Rebello conceded. "But the same way we're able to enjoy the victories I hope we will be able to take the loss in stride.'' Vasco never looked like being beaten by a Boulevard side that was missing flank players Albert Caisey and Dwight Warren because of their religious beliefs and Neil Robinson because of injury.

In the three minutes it took Vasco to take the lead there were enough kinks exposed in Boulevard's defence to encourage the champions. In one of the quickest goals in final history, Earl Richardson struck with a free kick on the right side of the Boulevard penalty area.

The wall was poorly constructed by goalkeeper Mitchell Steede, with two Vasco players on the far edge. They parted to allow Richardson's curling kick to get around the wall and Steede, who initially looked to have the ball covered, was beaten at the far post as it swerved slightly.

The ninth minute should have brought a second goal for Vasco but this time, with Steede again beaten, Irving Burgess' header hit the base of the far post.

Vasco forced three corners in the first 10 minutes to stamp their authority and it wasn't long before Boulevard were pushing Dean Boyles into a more attacking role and replacing him at right back with Leonard Hypolite.

Boulevard's best chance during the early stages came in the 14th minute when a Stevie Wade cross resulted in the ball deflecting off the legs of Ross Lambe and past the near post.

Vasco, with Richardson attacking freely from left-back, were clearly in control and in the 23rd minute they struck again as not even the post could deny them. Corey Hill's effort came back off the upright and he regained possession and set up Kentoine Jennings who drove the ball home through a crowded area.

Leroy Stevens pulled one back for Boulevard with a left-footed drive at the far post in the 32nd minute after Burgess miskicked in the box in attempting to clear a Wade corner on the left.

That goal brought Boulevard right back into the game but just seven minutes into the second half Vasco scored the clincher to put paid to any hopes of a fightback by the defending league champions.

Karl Roberts, booked in the 40th minute for knocking Dean Boyles off his feet, won a header with Hypolite on the left side near the halfway line. And when the whistle did not blow, despite Hypolite being floored, Roberts got back on his feet, ran down the loose ball and laid on a pass to Hill inside the box.

Hill carried the ball to a sharper angle before tucking it neatly inside the far post. The wing wizard should have made it 4-1 in the 61st minute but he put a good chance wide from right in front of goal and with just Steede to beat.

Vasco were reduced to 10 men in the 69th minute when Dwight Basden was ejected by referee Stuart Crockwell for kicking full back Sandy Boyles. But there was never any hint that Boulevard had it in them to make a late surge, as Derek Stapley, Shawn Smith, Jennings and Richardson gave them little opportunities to test Timmy Figureido in goal.

Coach Rebello admitted the key to the team's success has been continuity and great team harmony. They have used just 13 different starters in nine matches this season, including the same starting team in the last three matches.

"The guys have jelled in the last four years,'' said Rebello. "It's been tough but every year the programme has gotten a little better.

"We've played a lot of football and haven't picked up any injuries. We've been consistent in our starting eleven. The whole starting eleven has been great.

"A lot has to be said about the back four. When the team hasn't played that well Shawn Smith and Kentoine Jennings have stepped it up in defence. Shawn has brought a lot of stability to the team since coming from Cougars.'' Vasco: T.Figureido; D.Stapley, S.Smith, K.Jennings, E.Richardson; S.Gibbons, K.Roberts, S.Arorach (F.Simmons 75 mins), D.Basden, C.Hill (P.Richardson 85 mins), I.Burgess (A.Wolffe 89 mins).

Boulevard: M.Steede; D.Boyles, W.Richardson, L.Stevens, S.Boyles; G.Smith, L.Hypolite, J.Samuels (S.Smith 52 mins), R.Lambe (V.Symonds 75 mins), S.Wade, D.Gibbs (M.Trott 63 mins).

Men of match: Earl Richardson (Vasco), Dean Boyles (Boulevard).

Referee: Stuart Crockwell.

St. George's won the third place play-off 3-1 against North Village. Clay Smith opened the scoring for the East Enders and Quinton Francis netted twice, one in each half, while Shawn Dill scored for Village.