Lofa County picked up from where they last left it in the National County Sports Meet, as they opened the defense of their title with a hard fought win over Gbarpolu County.
Lofa County defeated neighbors Gbarpolu County 1-0 in Group D, to announce to their opponents their quest of retaining the title.
Lofa County, one of the title favorites, scored from the penalty spot to defeat a stubborn Gbarpolu County 1-0.
Coach Samuel Sumo, who is chasing his fourth County Meet crown, fielded several new faces to his squad.
In other results, three of the four host counties fell prey to visitors in their respective opening fixtures.
Margibi County lost 2-0 easily to Grand Bassa County, at the Nancy Doe Stadium in Group A.
Bomi County suffered likewise at home at the hands of Cape Mount County, finishing to a 3-1 defeat at the C.H. Dewey field.
Grand Gedeh County continued their struggle as they lost 1-0 to visiting Maryland County.
Also bowing to opponents was Montserrado County, who were shocked with a 1-0 defeat by Rivergee County, at the Nancy B. Doe Stadium in Kakata.
In kickball, defending Champions Grand Bassa County showed a sign that they are missing former coach Alphanso Toe, as they could only force a 1-1 home-run draw against Margibi County.
Montserrado County had an easy 4-0 home-runs victory over Rivergee County in Group A fixture.
In Group B, Grand Kru County took all three points, as they handed Bong County their heaviest defeat in Kickball.
That 7-0 home-runs demolition of Bong County was overseen by their-own maker, Emmanuel Mark, who had coached Bong County kickball team for the past six years.
The other match in the group ended 4-4, in controversial circumstances between Nimba and Rivercess Counties.
Nimba County had labored from 4-1 down to take a 5-4 lead, only for the match umpire to cancel the Nimba County’s last home-run, at the disbelief of spectators.
The umpire had called save for the Nimba County number 9, while awarding a home-run to the number 7, only for the decision to be overturned, when Rivercess County Head Coach angrily topsy-turvy the fourth official and match commissioner’s desk in protest to the calls.
No action was taken against the Rivercess Coach, but the decision on the home-run was overturned, tying the score at 4-4.
In Group C, Grand Gedeh and Maryland Counties entertained their spectators to a 0-0 home-run draw.
Group D host, Bomi County suffered Grand Cape Mount County with a 7-0 defeat at the surprise of many, as report says the Cape Mount County pitcher awarded 11 free-walks.
In the other tie Lofa County girls, who finished 4th in the last edition, defeated Gbarpolu County 1-0 home-runs.
The counties will take a two-day break to resume hostilities on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at the four venues.
By:Kolubah ZAYZAY