Republic Bank Secondary School League…: Chase’s, Three Miles, South, Charlestown among opening-day winners

Four exhilarating football games were on the cards on Sunday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue as the Republic Bank Secondary Schools League kicked off.
The proceedings began with a vibrant march-past of the eight participating teams in the League, who will, over the next seven weeks, compete for top honours.
Immediately prior to the tournament’s official kick-off, Republic Bank Internal Audit Manager Oral Rose spoke, reiterating the company’s commitment to youth investment.

“Republic Bank is proud to invest in our youth and in our communities and that’s why we have you participating in this tournament for a second year. We want you to have fun and play with respect. As we continue to invest in this football tournament, I want you to be encouraged that Republic Bank is concerned about the youth and communities that we invest in,” Rose shared.
When the on-field action began, defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation found themselves backed against a wall as they took on Abram Zuil Secondary in the opening fixture.

The Region Two outfit got ahead first when Omar Kendall stunned the Chase’s keeper with a long shot in the 14th minute. However, in the 22nd minute, Chase’s Juslyn Halley found the back of the net to level the score. Just when it seemed like the two teams would have to settle for a drawn result, Isaiah Ifill came to Chase’s rescue with a tap-in, in the 55th minute which eventually became the game winner.
A similar 2-1 result followed when Three Miles Secondary came up against West Ruimveldt Secondary. The Georgetown side got ahead first, through Jeremiah Griffith in the 10th minute. West Ruimveldt held on to their lead for much of the game, until Lebron Mendonca connected a stellar shot in the 55th minute for the equaliser. Then, in the 70th minute, Joshua James found the back of the net to hand his side the victory in the final minutes of the game.

Again, a 2-1 result was witnessed, this time going in favour of South Ruimveldt Secondary against President’s College. Jadon Edwards opened the scoring for South in the seventh minute while Tyrese Pemberton added a second to their tally in the 56th. Their goals were punctuated by President’s College’s consolation off the boots of Daniel Alexander in the 29th minute.
Charlestown Secondary brought the curtains down on the day’s proceedings with a shocking 2-0 victory over reigning Milo Secondary School Champions Dolphin Secondary. Dilshawn Alleyne was responsible for Charlestown’s goals, registering a brace in the 51st and 65th minutes.
The Republic Bank Secondary Schools League will continue next Sunday at the same venue.