Newly crowned Dudley Eve champions Dandy Town Hornets put their victory celebrations aside to pay their last respects to late team-mate, Machai Campbell, who was laid to rest yesterday following a well-attended home-going service at Christ Church in Devonshire.

Hornets outshot Boulevard 6-5 in a gut-wrenching penalty shootout at Somerset Cricket Club on Tuesday night to lift a first Dudley Eve Cup in four years and fourth overall.

It was the first meeting between the two sides in a cup final and for an emotionally strained Hornets a fitting send off for the late Campbell who also played cricket for Western Stars.

The promising footballer and cricketer, who was tragically killed in a road accident last week, represented Bermuda at last year's Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia.

The late Campbell is the son of former Dandy Town defender, Wayne, who was a member of Hornets squad that clinched the club's first Dudley Eve title - and first major crown in top flight football – 22 years ago under the captaincy of Walter Musson.

Fresh off their recent triumph over Blazers, some of the late Campbell's team-mates reflected on his recent passing and their overwhelming desire to turn tragedy into triumph during a difficult time of bereavement.

"In 2004 we lost Randy (Swan) and now four years later we are grieving again. It almost leaves you at a loss for words, emotions and life," commented Western Stars Sports Club president Nathan Richardson.

"We lost a very promising young man who had a very bright future and I think it was important once we made it to the finals that we secured that trophy to ease the emotional burden for the Campbell family.

"It was very important that we eased the pain by winning that trophy and dedicating it to Machai.

"Once that trophy was raised last night (Tuesday) you could see some of the relief on the family's faces.

"And Machai had a good send off today (yesterday)."

Campbell's father described his late son as a "precious gem".

"Machai will be greatly missed by family, friends and all of those he touched during his time with us," he said.

"He was, is and always will be one of my precious gems that make me complete."

The casket of the late sportsman was carried to the grave at his final resting place at Chapel of Ease Church in St.David's by his former Hornets and Bermuda Under-19 team-mates.

Also present during yesterday's funeral were Opposition leader Kim Swan, Bermuda Football Association president Richard Calderon and Bermuda Cricket Board development officer Arnold Manders who taught the late athlete at Berkeley Institute.

"Machai definitely played a big part in us winning this tournament," reflected Hornets winger Lashun Dill. "I know this loss is hard on the family, but hopefully this win will help ease some of their pain.

"Everybody was upset when we heard of Machai's passing. But we had to stay humble because it was very important that we won this trophy for Machai, our supporters and also the team."

Town midfielder Kori Goddard, added: "It was just fate, it had to be. We just had to dig deep to win the trophy and play our part in helping to ease some of the pain. We knew we couldn't lose."

Keeper Daniel Johnson dedicated his game- winning penalty save to his late team-mate's memory.

"I did it for Machai and his family and I felt very joyful to have saved the last penalty. That really meant a lot to me," he said.

"Machai was a very talented player and was always determined to give it his all whenever he played."