it is game on, as the curtains draw on the sixth annual Digicel’s Schools Football Championships today at National Stadium, Providence. The expected mouth watering rematch between four-time champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School and Chase Academic Foundation by all means will excitement those in attendance.
The Championship trophy being held by Christianburg/Wismar Secondary Captain Keyshwan Dey (left) and Chase Academic Foundation Captain Jeremy Garrett
The Linden side who are sixth consecutive final, chasing their fifth title on the trot, were pushed to their limits to reach this stage by a spirited Sir Leon’s Lesson; a match where they had a miraculous come from behind 2-1 win. In that match a spectacular header by Shaquille Campbell and a composed penalty kick by star forward Omar Brewley got them over the line after the opposition had the dominated majority of the proceedings.
Coach Delon Peters in speaking after that victory, bluntly stated that “we are here for the fifth title” and with four titles already under their belt, the Lindeners have showed they certainly know how to win.
On the other half of the equation, Chase Academy will be full of confidence and favouring their chances after disposing of Bush Lot Secondary 10-0 in their semi-final last Wednesday. The team which has a strong composition of the city’s top youth football players show that are able to adopt when in difficult conditions, clinching a win against Annai Secondary on home turf.
Captain Jeremy Garrett is wary of the defending champions, positing that he expects a tough challenge and that his team will be bringing their “A-game” in their title bid.
The history between these sides, sees both of them having a win against each other but with the Christianburg team having the victory, where it most matters, the final.
At last year’s final, the Linden side won 2-1 but in recent exhibition match at the stadium, Chase returned the same score line in their favour.
In the third place-off, Sir Leon’s Lesson will seek to give themselves a consolation win after narrowly missing out on the finals; the Bush Lot side are certainly going to be want to redeem their team spirit after a humiliating loss.
The third place play-off between Sir Leon’s Lesson and Bush Lot Secondary will kick-off at 16:00 hrs while the final will commence at 18:00 hrs.
The winning team of the event is slated to receive $1,000,000 toward the funding of a school project and the championship trophy while the second-place unit will receive $700,000 and the runners-up accolade.
The third and fourth-placed unit will walk away with $400,000 and $350,000 and the corresponding trophy. Similarly, $100,000 will be awarded to each zone winner.
