Arima Boys’ Roman Catholic (RC) School wrote its name into the history books once again when it won both the Boys’ Under-12 (U-12) and U-15 categories in the Trinidad Leg of the National Primary Schools Football League Finals at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, yesterday morning.
When the whistle was blown to start the match, Nelson Street Boys’ RC immediately began looking for a goal, but Arima Boys’ RC was equally aggressive. Chances were created at both ends. In the sixth minute of the match, captain Kamali Rose snapped onto a ball about ten metres from the goal and hit a wonderful right-footed shot past the Arima Boys’ RC custodian for the opener.
The session continued, and though Arima Boys’ RC was now in the ascendancy and began to control the match, against the run of play, Jovanni Johnson scored a beauty in the 16th minute to put Nelson Street Boys’ RC into a commanding 2-0 lead.
In the second half, Nelson Street Boys started defending deep. This gave Arima Boys’ RC the impetus to attack, and they scored in the 27th minute through top goalscorer, Yohan Robinson, with a brilliant strike. Both teams continued to battle, but Arima Boys’ RC was beginning to take control. Arima Boys missed another clear chance, while Nelson Street also had a great chance to extend their lead but missed. However, in the final minute of the match, just as it looked like Nelson Street Boys’ RC would snatch victory, Jesse Ettiene scored to tie the game and send it into overtime.
When the first five minutes of extra time began, it was clear that Arima Boys’ RC was in control while Nelson Street Boys were playing defensively, holding on for penalty kicks. Finally, with one minute left on the clock, Antwon Munroe headed home the winner from a cross.
The referee’s whistle sounded, and Arima Boys’ RC celebrated. Munroe was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the match. Every person at the Ato Boldon Stadium was now waiting to see if the U-15 Boys from Arima Boys’ RC would complete the double. The undefeated Arima Boys’ RC held its own in the U-12 category against the now-beaten Nelson Street Boys’ RC School.
The second match of the morning was the U-15 girls’ final between Pleasantville Government and Dow Village Government. Captain Vernicia St Bernard was the key player, scoring three goals to put Pleasantville ahead. Pleasantville led 3-0 at the halftime whistle. In the second half, Dow Village tried to press its rival and performed well, but in the 35th minute, Kairan Boodhoo scored to push Pleasantville into a 4-0 lead. The match seemed headed for that scoreline, but Sarahlee Singh added another in the final minute. St Bernard was named the MVP of the category.
Arima Boys’ RC U-15 team came out running in the boys’ U-15 final match. In the fifth minute, Zachriel Smith opened the scoring for Arima Boys. Soon after, Egypt Government was awarded a penalty, which was struck wide. After that, it was all Arima Boys’ RC. In the 12th minute, Yohan Robinson added his first before Antwon Munroe made it 3-0. Just before the half-time whistle, Nazism Martinez added the fourth.
In the second half, Egypt Government tried to score but to no avail. Zachriel Smith got his second goal before Yohan Robinson did likewise. Arima Boys’ RC was the champion of the U-15 Boys, completing the historic double. Smith was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
When Guardian Media spoke to Arima Boys’ RC Principal Navin Harry, he said, “I am very happy and grateful for the team’s performance. It’s good to win when you have the opportunity and this is what we wish some of our sponsors could see. The games which were played showed how good our young players are. All we need for them is assistance. I know how tough winning at this level is and I want to thank my staff and coaches for their assistance.”
Chairman of the League, Terrence Caesar, when asked by Guardian Media what he thought of the day, said, “The day was a good one and the games were good. The football today was good. The sponsors should have been here to see this. We will continue to work with our young charges.”
Results
Boys U-12
Nelson Street Boys RC 2 (K Rose, J Johnson vs Arima Boys RC 3 (Y Robinson, J Ettiene, A Munroe)
Girls U-15
Pleasantvill Gov’t 5 (V St Bernard 3, K Boodhoo, S Singh) vs Dow Village Gov’t 0
Boys U-15
Arima Boys RC School 6 (Z Smith 2, JY Robinson 2, A Munroe, N Martinez) vs Egypt Village Government RC 0.
Most Valuable Players
Boys U-12: Yohan Robinson
Girls U-15: Vernecia St Bernard
Boys U-15: Zachiel Smith
