Jamaica captured their fourth regional title last night when they defeated Grenada 2-0 to lift the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Digicel Caribbean Championship trophy and pocket US$120,000 (J$8.5m). Two Luton Shelton penalties - in the 16th and 71st minutes - enabled Jamaica to walk away champions, having last topped the region in 2005. The win should serve as a morale-booster after the Reggae Boyz's World Cup demise. Jamaica's win was expected and the celebration was low-keyed as the CFU officials - led by FIFA vice-president and CFU president, Austin "Jack" Warner - handed out the various trophies. Eric Vernan was voted the tournament's Most Valuable Player, while Luton Shelton ended as joint top scorer with Kithson Bain of Grenada with five goals. Grenada received US$70,000 for their runner-up slot as their Cinderella run finally came to an end. In the opening match of the double-header, Guadeloupe took third spot after defeating Cuba 5-4 after a 0-0 regulation and extra time draw. They collected US$50,000 and Cuba carried off US$30,000. In front of a relatively small gathering of approximately 7,000 fans, Jamaica started brightly, and after only 55 seconds, Shelton shook off his marker and headed for goal, but dragged his shot just wide of the upright. Grenada signalled their early intention when leading goal-getter Bain powered past Tyrone Marshall and fired just wide of Donovan Ricketts' right upright. But Jamaica's early dominance paid off when Andy Williams released the speedy Vernan who was cut down by his Portmore United teammate and Grenada captain, Anthony Modeste, inside the box and referee Neal Brizan had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Shelton stepped up and easily converted the spot kick for his fourth goal of the competition. The half ended 1-0 with the home team in total control and well on their way to victory. They started the second half just as they did the first when Oneil Thompson headed a Demar Phillips' corner kick onto the crossbar in the 50th minute. But as much as the Boyz were dominating, the second goal seemed nowhere in sight as they sought the cushion. In the 59th minute, Bain caused an anxious moment for the Jamaicans when he outpaced Thompson, but Ricketts responded quickly to block his effort. Jamaica were rattled and looked to be out of ideas as Grenadian midfield general, Ricky Charles, began to impose himself on the game with some telling diagonal passes. As the game went on Jamaica began to look ragged and against the run of play, the diminutive Vernan broke loose again and was fouled from behind by Dwayne Leo and again referee Brizan did not hesitate to point to the spot. Shelton calmly placed his shot wide of the diving goalkeeper for his fifth goal of the competition to join Bain as the leading goalscorer. It also killed off Grenada's title ambition and settled Jamaican nerves. Reprinted from jamaicaobserver.com