Corona League president Mike McGrath yesterday confessed he never in his wildest dreams expected the inaugural season to be so successful.

Set up in the days after the collapse of the Commercial League, the new league is run independently of the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) and has been a huge hit with players and supporters this campaign.

Although McGrath insists he always knew the league had all the ingredients to be a success, he admitted its level of popularity has surprised him.

"I look back over the first season in somewhat disbelief.

"Never in our wildest dreams did we think we would end the season looking back on something so successful.

"It's a great testament to our sponsors such as Goslings, The Bistro at the Beach and The Docksider who all showed such faith in us all when we went to them with a blank piece of paper and an idea nearly 12 months ago.

"There are many memorable moments that come to mind, watching the first game at BAA Field with packed bleachers and the faces of the Corona League and Bistro Challenge Cup winners."

McGrath said the Corona League could expand next season with a number of new teams expressing an interest in joining.

"Looking to next season all the teams will sit down together and look at ways to improve the league," he said.

"Several sides have already show interest in joining the league so the teams will have to decide on whether they want to expand to include new teams.

"I've been told that our teams are enjoying themselves playing so much that they hope to get rid of the bye week next season, but these are decisions for all the teams to make as the league belongs to them.

"We will just forward the information of any team that contacts us to the current teams when we next meet to map out next season."

BAA Field's top of the range artificial pitch has been a huge pull in attracting teams and players to the league, according to McGrath, while the host of qualified referees officiating the games has elevated it beyond just being a light-hearted kick-about.

In Saturday's All-Star exhibition match, the Corona Green team beat the Corona White side at BAA Field in the final match of the season.

Pitting the odd placed teams in the table against the even, the game saw eight different players get their names on the scoresheet.

Green went ahead through BAA's Neal Churchill after Tuff Dogs' Lamual Crofton made a run into the area and squared the ball back for Churchill who had the simple task of slotting home.

Tuff Dogs' Chris Pett then sent Fire FC's Mark Ray clear with a sublime pass from his own half, with Ray making no mistake in planting his shot past the White's goalkeeper.

The White team then replied through Robin Hood's Brian Fubler before getting the equaliser from West End United's Frances DeSilva jr. shortly before the half.

Green scored three unanswered goals through Vasco's Quincy Aberdeen, Crofton and Tuff Dogs' BJ Payne, before Valley FC's Craig Darrell scored for White to complete the scoring.

End of Season Awards

League winners: Tuff Dogs

Bistro Challenge Cup winners: West End

MVP: Rui Furtardo ( Vasco)

Golden Boot: Francis DeSilva jr. (West End) 38 goals

Defender of the Year: James Lister (West End)

Referee of Year: Oral Swan

Fair play award: Lobster Pot

Corona League First XI: Goalkeeper - Calvin Thomas (Tuff Dogs), Defenders - Nick Ingham (Robin Hood), James Lister (West End), Richard Correia (Vasco), Midfielders - Quincy Aberdeen (Vasco), Rui Furtardo (Vasco), John Payne (Tuff Dogs), Mark Ray (Fire), Forwards - Neal Churchill (BAA), Lamaul Crofton, (Tuff Dogs), Francis DeSilva jr (West End)