It was one of their finest performances in many seasons. However, 10-man Arnett Gardens failed to spring a win against a weakened Waterhouse team when they faced off for the first time this season in a Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) late kick-off Monday night at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

The game ended 0-0, but it must have been a painful result for the ‘Junglists’, who failed to take full advantage.

The high-riding RSPL runners-up of last season were without four of their first choice players who at the time of the game were en route to Japan for international duty. Therefore, a watered-down Waterhouse had to weather a torrid storm of dynamic pressure for the full 90 minutes in order to leave the venue with a point, as marauding Arnett Gardens had them off their legs from the opening whistle.

Arnett Gardens moved to eight points accumulated from four matches, while Waterhouse, who had earlier engagements in the CONCACAF Champions League, were playing only their third game.

With this draw they moved up to seven points having won their two previous matches and remain in fourth position on the RSPL points table with Arnett Gardens one step above in third place.

Waterhouse failed to take advantage of Arnett’s shortcomings after the hosts had to play 48 minutes with a man short. Marvin Morgan, the Waterhouse striker of last season, was sent for an early shower in minute 42 following his second bookable offence. He was first booked in the 16th minute of play for a rash challenge.

Arnett Gardens were dominant that one could scarcely notice that they were playing with a man short. But despite this dominance it was Waterhouse, who so nearly snatched all three points as in the 56th minute Juvaune Benjamin got a clear sight on the Arnett Gardens goal and with only goalkeeper Damian Hyatt his only obstacle, he was robbed of the opportunity by the goalkeeper’s keen anticipation.

In the 90th minute Benjamin was at it again and struck the Arnett Gardens crossbar with a crackerjack from some 35 yards that rebounded into play before goalkeeper Hyatt could react.

It was a game that Arnett Gardens should have had sewn up from the first half but they seemingly were too eager to play the Waterhouse players than taking better advantage of the numerous opportunities they created with some electrifying play by moving much faster to the ball and using the spaces with telling passes.

Nonetheless, the talented but seldom used Kelso Cousins, who deputised for the absent Richard McCallum, did an excellent job between the goal frame.

Both coaches had only high praises for their young teams’ tenacity and wholehearted effort. “I am more than satisfied with the team’s effort,” said Jerome Waite, the Arnett Gardens coach.

Waterhouse coach Anthony Patrick was frank in his assessment: “I am satisfied with the point, but I must admit Arnett Gardens played really well.”

Teams: Arnett Gardens – Damian Hyatt, Dicoy Williams, Steve Clarke (Jason Richards 72nd), Kenneil Hyde, Jahmeel Thompson, Vishinul Harris (Kemal Malcolm 66th), Dasha Satchwell, Anthowe Dawkins, Michaelos Martin (Alanzo Adlam 52nd), Shaquille Dwyer, Marvin Morgan

Subs not used: P Harrison, O Thompson, M Webb, J Martin

Booked: Hyde (5th), Morgan (16th, 42nd, ejected)

Waterhouse – Kelso Cousins, Kenardo Forbes, Jermaine Anderson (Adoah Nickle 65th), Damarley Samuels, Juvaune Benjamin, Damion Binns, Vinroy Hayles, Romario Campbell, Rohan Amos, Evan Taylor, Kenroy Howell (Nieko Williams 80th)

Subs not used: D Brown, Rayon Swire

Booked: Samuels (22nd), Amos (48th)

Referee: Valdin Legister

Assistant Referees: Richard Washington, Melvin Reid

Fourth Official: Odette Hamilton

Match Commissary: Richard Nathan