St George’s Colts 1 Dandy Town 2

David Jones Jr scored the most vital goal of his career as his second-half winner earned Dandy Town their tenth Premier Division title and their first in four years on the final day of the league campaign at Wellington Oval on Sunday.

The experienced striker struck in the 63rd minute to put Town ahead for good after St George’s’ player-coach Drewonde Bascome and Hornets’ Nizigh Spence traded goals in the first half.

Jones was thrilled to have delivered for his team when they needed him most.

“We definitely knew there was another goal out there and had a couple of chances, so we knew it was coming,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“I just hit it and got a nice deflection off their defender and beat the keeper. That goal was everything because it was a tight game and St George’s were not just going to give us the trophy.

“I am so happy to do my part and win the league for the first time. Everyone is happy and this means everything to us.”

Also celebrating a maiden league title was Hornets coach Jarreau Hayward in his first full season in charge after taking over the helm from Kyle Lightbourne.

“This is very special and every trophy is special but to win the league for the first time is very exciting and I am just thankful for my team,” he said.

“Not just the players but the coaching staff, the fans and everybody who supports in my family.

“It’s good to get that first one out of the way and hopefully it’s more to come. Now we can start going for more and we are just trusting the process.”

Hayward was pleased with his team’s character to come from behind and get the job done.

“St George’s have a lot of quality and I know first hand what that quality can do, so we knew we had to be ready today and the guys were ready,” he said.

“I thought we were a little nervous at first but these guys were really professional about how they went about today.

“We calmed down and once we started playing football our system took over, so hats off to the players. They really brought it home for us.”

The league title capped an impressive treble for Hornets, who also lifted the Charity Cup and retained the Friendship Trophy during the 2025-26 campaign.

Hayward said his team’s success came as no surprise given the attitude his players demonstrated throughout the season.

“I saw the hunger from the first day, so for them to still have the hunger in the last training session we had on Good Friday morning showed the passion, and the energy today was just really exciting for us,” he said.

“I am just really proud of these guys and the have really come a long way. This is a foundation year for us and we’ve won some trophies, but we still have a way to go.”

Tomiko Goater was delighted to win a maiden league title donning the captain’s armband for Hornets.

“This is our tenth league title for the club, which is even more special to me as it’s my first as captain,” he said.

The experienced forward dedicated his team’s successful season to the honour and memory of his late father Thomas Jones.

“I dedicate this season towards my dad,” he said.

“It was probably one of the hardest seasons of my life because he was one of my biggest supporters.”

Goater remained doubtful in the lead-up to the match after picking up a groin injury but returned to their starting XI after passing a late fitness test.

However, there was cause for concern in the Hornets camp when he was replaced at half time with his team’s title hopes still hanging in the balance.

“I felt I could’ve kept going on but for the better of the team we thought we needed to see something better out there,” he said.

“I am all for the team and to be fair it all paid off. Whatever is good for the team and us getting over the line works best for me.”

Moments after the final whistle former Hornets captain Angelo Simmons announced his retirement.

“This is six league titles for me so I am calling it time,” he said.

“It’s been a wonderful career with this club who I have given everything.

“It’s definitely a hard decision especially leaving these guys. It’s hard but I think I am calling it on the right time and ending on a good note winning the league. Three trophies in my last season so couldn’t ask for nothing more.”

Simmons feels Town’s future is in good hands with the crop of young players they have.

“It’s time for the next generation to come through and make their mark, which they have done this season,” he said.

“I was just there to be a leader to help them get through, and I am happy they got through.

“The team can only get better so hopefully next season we can keep building.

“We have a bright future and we just have to keep going.”

Hornets were forced to chase the game after Bascome planted a low free kick from outside of the box in the far bottom corner to put the hosts ahead during a good spell of possession.

But their celebrations were short-lived as Hornets midfielder Spence created just enough space in tight quarters to bury his shot from inside of the area in the far bottom corner and bring the teams level a minute later.

Town nearly took the lead after the break when Kamali Davis struck the woodwork after getting on the end of Edry Moore’s inviting cross.

However, they ultimately would not be denied their moment of glory as Jones latched onto another cross from Moore and took his chance well from inside of the area to see Hornets safely across the line.

Scores

St George’s: Bascome 18

Dandy Town: Spence 19, Jones 63

Teams

St George's (4-4-2): T Hall Jr 7 — N Paynter 5 (sub: J Bassett, 51min 6), J Schroder 6, L Evans 6, I Gibbons 6 — C Neal 6, L Lewis 5, M Trott 6, K Hall 6- B Hall 6, D Bascome 7 (sub: M Nisbett-Tankard, 64 6). Booked: Paynter, Hall. Substitutes not used: T Lowe, J Dill, M Tucker, I Greaves,

Dandy Town (4-3-3): J Hill 7 — T Webb Jr 7 (sub: E Blankendal, 73 6), Y Ramirez 6, D Leverock 7, L Simmons 6 — E Moore 7, L Outerbridge 7, N Spence 8 (sub: Q Maynard, 78)- K Davis 6 (sub: J Furbert, 78), T Goater 5 (sub: E Swan, 46 6), D Jones Jr 7 (sub: A Simmons, 83). Booked: Ramirez, Blankendal (sub). Substitutes not used: A Harvey, D Daniels.

Referee: M Wyer