Champions at last! West Ruimveldt cop Smalta Under-11 title

West Ruimveldt Primary had missed their shot at glory in the male version of this year’s Under-11 Pee Wee Football tournament, but the little ladies of that school rectified that misfortune by lifting the title in the 2018 Smalta Girls’ 11-and-Under tourney.
A total of twelve primary school girls’ teams had gathered week after week at the Ministry of Education ground to showcase their skills in the Petra-organised tournament; but when the finalists were determined, the two teams left standing were North Georgetown Primary and West Ruimveldt Primary.
The tournament, unfortunately, could have only one winner; thus both sides had brought their ‘A’ game to the final encounter, fully resolved to emerge victorious.
West Ruimveldt were the first to give their opponents the slip, when front-runner Seona France netted their first goal in the 13th minute. High on excitement, the West Ruimveldt team’s performance improved, to the frustration of the North Georgetown side. Seona France returned in the 21st minute to extend her team’s lead, as she sailed the ball over her opponent’s wall in a free kick.
But North Georgetown Primary managed to gather their marbles in the second half, and produced a much more composed style of play, with Captain Martha Chance giving her team a glimmer of hope when she successfully connected a penalty in the 27th minute.
However, a minute later, North Georgetown’s dreams were shattered as West Ruimveldt captain, Ashanna Rajkumar, secured her side’s third goal; and West Ruimveldt went on to win the encounter 3-1.
Prior to the headline event, South Ruimveldt had managed to save face by copping the third place trophy. The 2017 champions held off St. Pius Primary for the duration of regulation time, and Fayon Harry found the back of the net three minutes into extra time for the 1-0 win.
At the presentations, North Georgetown’s Aqueena Griffith was named the best goalkeeper, as she conceded goals only in the final game. The highest goal scorer award was shared by South Ruimveldt’s Fayon Harry and North Georgetown’s Martha Chase. Martha’s mother, who had been on the sidelines of every game, was recognised as the most supportive parent; whilst the best coach was recognised as the West Ruimveldt coach. St. Pius Primary, however, was hailed as the most disciplined team.