Vincy Masters, a collection of the best over-40 Vincentian players from New York and Kingstown, are still celebrating as champions of the recently concluded 2008 Barbados International Masters Football Festival.

Strong and composed under pressure, Vincy Masters lifted the Cup as they defeated Unity of Trinidad 5-4 on penalties in the final after regulation time had failed to determine a scoreless encounter at the Wanderers ground, Dayrells Road.

Watched by a lively crowd, the Vincentians grabbed the title for the first time after absorbing all that the Trinidadians had to offer, particularly in the first-half where Unity looked capable of forcing a goal in a period they dominated.

However, it was a different game in the second half as the Vincy Masters improved their passing game and looked more threatening and penetrative against an outfit playing their fourth final in Barbados.

The Vincentians came closest to settling the play-off in the second half as a deft free kick from Tyrone Prince, from the edge of the penalty box, rebounded from the crossbar after Derek Dupont was fouled while pressing the Trinidadian defence.

Thereafter, both teams counter-attacked and produced some threatening moves; but the defences held strong, forcing the title to be decided on spot kicks.

The Vincy Masters came through with a 100 per cent record as Meldon James, Alphonso Browne, Joel Wickham, Tyrone Prince and Junior Israel all hit the nets with positive placements.

Unity had advanced from the semi-finals with a 1-0 win over Notre Dame of Barbados while the Vincy Masters also came through on penalties (4-3) against Saints FC, also of Trinidad.

Dames took the third-place trophy with a 2-1 win over Saints, captained by former Strike Squad player Marvin Faustin, while Toronto FC of Canada successfully defended their Plate title by defeating New Orleans of Barbados, 4-0.

Twelve overseas and 12 local teams took part in the 12th annual festival.