Bushlot Secondary is the 2016 regional champions of the Digicel annual knockout National Schools Football tournament.
Bushlot regained the title they lost to Mahaicony Technical Institute by beating Mahaicony Secondary 4-3 on Friday at the Mahaicony ground.
It was an 89th minute goal by Jermain Perreira who was playing his third and final year in the tournament that made the difference and
Head of Customer Care, Sherwin Osbourne gives Bush Lot their regional uniforms
ensured that the two schools did not have to have a penalty shootout as they did last year to decide the winner.
The host had taken a 3-0 through goals from Nebert Sears in the 9th and 20th minutes and Daquand Gomes in the 29th and seemed set for victory, however Bushlot was awarded a penalty in the 45th minute and Shaqueel De Hart playing his second year in the competition gave hope to fans of the team from West Berbice. 3-1 when the half time whistle came.
Immediately after the resumption, Bushlot started to utilize the wind advantage and Titus Webster scored in the 48th minute and then again in the 76th minute to put some ‘worry’ on the faces of home team supporters.
As the clock ticked and fans cheered every play made by Mahaicony Secondary, a smart thinking Perreira utilized a mistake from the goalkeeper after a shot rebounded off the cross bar and put Bushlot ahead for the first time in the game; three minutes later the referee blew his final whistle which meant Busklot had prevailed 4-3.
Last year Mahaicony Technical Institute overcame Bushlot Secondary 4-3 on penalty kicks to win the zone.
Bushlot will host Mahdia Secondary in the regional playoffs on July 20 for a quarter-final place. In 2014 Bushlot Secondary placed third overall in the nation al tournament. Andrew Carmichael
