In a matchup that feels similar to a final, defending champs St. Pius will tackle tournament heavyweights Tucville Primary from 13:00hrs when the semi-final stage of the Petra Organization/Courts Pee football tourney commences today at the Thirst Park venue.
Surviving a tense sudden death shoot-out against F.E. Pollard to seal their spot in the final four, St. Pius will hope to improve on both ends of the field when they faceoff with arguably the event’s most balanced side.
While the netting of seven goals in five matches will not point in the direction of a free scoring unit, the conceding of three goals in as many games will highlight the fact that their defensive frailties can be exposed.
As such, the Middle Road-based side will need the foursome of Raymond Austin, Youhan Yarris, Sherwin Nelson and Brendon Solomon to be decisive on both ends if they are to overcome their opponents.
With 15 goals to date in five matches and no goals yet conceded, Tucville Primary has once again lived up their pre-tournament billing as favourites. This reputation was further solidified following their hard-fought 1-0 defeat of a very dangerous St. Angela’s side in the quarterfinal.
Boasting the family affair of Keion and Rayheem Marques (cousins), both of whom have seven goals apiece, Tucville will fancy their chances of breaking down the rearguard of the defending champs while hoping to continue their streak of clean sheets when opening whistle sounds.
The second semi-final will feature a matchup of relatively unknown elements when the physical Stella Maris outfit battles the compact South Ruimveldt Primary at the same time period.
Earning the moniker of giant killers after their 1-0 win over last year’s runners-up West Ruimveldt in the previous round, the Royston Louisy-led South Ruimveldt side, will attempt to fashion another thrilling win when play commences.
Made to work in their sudden death shoot-out win over arch-rivals St. Margaret’s, the Woolford Avenue side will look to their talisman Darron Niles to continue his all-round displays when they go in search of a berth to the final come kickoff time.
In the positions 5-8 plate section, F.E Pollard Primary will battle St Angela’s Primary from 12:00hrs while St. Margaret’s Primary tackles West Ruimveldt Primary in the second affair of the time slot.
In the positions 9-16 plate section, Enterprise Primary will lock horns with Ketley Primary from 10:00hrs while Smith Memorial and Marian Academy will match skills in the second matchup of the time zone.
At 11:00hrs, East La Penitence will oppose St. Stephen’s and Green Acres will faceoff with North Georgetown.
