-Chase’s Academic versus Dolphin in Boys Final
By Michaelangelo Jacobus
The finalists for the ExxonMobil U14 Schools Football tournament were confirmed yesterday at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue in both the boys and girls segments with four thrilling semi-finals.
First, defending female champions Waramuri Primary Top booked their passage to the final by needling a dogged Bartica Secondary in the first Girls semi-final.
It was a game of defence from both sides but Waramuri showed the heart of champions and dug deep as Shenesa Thomas (43rd minute) scored the only goal of the game in the second half. After going in front, Waramuri did some determined defending as the game closed out in their favour.
Meanwhile in the Girls semi-final two, President’s College put an end to a wonderful campaign by Santa Rosa Secondary with a 2-1 win over the Region One team.
The clinical Veronica Chatta continued her goalscoring form to put Santa Rosa 1-0 up in the 15th minute before PC came roaring back through an equally impressive Kimora Williams. She netted a brace in the 18th and 30th minutes respectively to hand her side the lead and they saw the game out without conceding another goal to confirm their final berth. This means that the Girls final will be a repeat of last year’s final but this time around, President’s College will be hoping to go one better.
In the first Boys’ semi-finals, Chase’s Academic Foundation twice came from behind to eventually beat a challenging Leonora Secondary outfit. First Adrian Giddings put the ‘West Siders’ ahead with an early goal in the sixth minute as the Chase’s defence got sloppy. However, Chase’s Academic Foundation settled into the game and began dominating possession which resulted in Akeel Younge slamming home the equalizer for his side in the 21st minute. Leonora again caught their opponents unawares, and Keon Grant restored their lead in the 24th minute. Chase nevertheless equalized yet again before the halftime whistle as Jaden Tasher slotted home to make things even at 2-2 heading into the break.
The second half saw the usually dominant Chase side take control of the game and Mark Glasgow’s 43rd minute goal was enough to see them through to the final.
Dolphin Secondary on the other hand, came out on top of a cagey affair with South Ruimveldt Secondary to book a spot opposite Chase’s Academic Foundation in the final. While the game saw an initial deadlock in the
midfield, Tyler Abrams’ 43rd minute strike was the difference in a thoroughly entertaining game as both sides tried to attack without success.
While the Girls final will be a repeat of last year’s title decider, the Boys section of the tournament will see a new champion being crowned this time around as last year’s winners, Bartica Secondary were knocked out in the quarter-final stage of the tournament.
The finals and third-place deciders are scheduled for Saturday (July 6) at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue from 12 noon.
