St Agnes, St Pius look threatening as competition heats up

The list of matches to be played are becoming shorter in the Pee Wee Under 11 football tournament, however, the same cannot be said for the level of competition as Primary schools teams dig deep to churn out excellent performances on the field. Those performances are becoming more important than ever as the competition goes further into the knockouts.
The intense football action was present even from the first minute of the Round of 16 as the unbeaten St. Agnes Primary sought to defend their streak against the potential filled Colaaco side. However, Colaaco didn’t stand a chance as St. Agnes continue to show that they are strong contenders for the championship this year.
St. Agnes’ highest goal scorer thus far, Justin Alcindor, struck six mighty goals to power his team to the quarterfinal round. Added to his six, his teammate Shamar Murray contributed two whilst Darius Chester netted one to bring the tally to 9.
It was one intense matchup after the other as Tucville and Maes Primary took to the field next. Having won all three round robin games, Maes were seen as a strong team, however, Tucville Primary showed that they are truly the underdogs by upsetting Maes and by extension sending them home. It was a collective team effort of scoring and defense from Tucville, which saw Carlos Negus, John Harry and Emmanuel Tinch netting one each for Tucville’s 3-0 win.
The shocks and upsets for the day were not over. Golden Grove Primary and Marian Academy were featured in the following match. Last year’s runner, Marian Academy seemed to be in control of the encounter but were unable to connect with the net when the opportunity came. With the game locked nil all for most of the regulated time, Bryan Wharton was the golden boy of the day after he netted two late goals to secure Golden Grove’s quarterfinal spot.
Unlike the runner ups, last year’s champions had their game plan and stuck to it, as they edged past St. John’s Boscoe (Plaisance). The 2-1 encounter saw West Ruimveldt’s Jonathan Andries scoring two goals whilst Jude Daniels’ one was not enough for Plaisance.
Continuing in excellent form, St. Pius recorded another win, this time against Soesdyke Primary, taking their streak to 4. Kaden Wellington continues to shine for his school team as he contributed four to St. Pius’ tally, which was helped by Kieron Garraway’s two. By the ende of regulation time, it was a 6-0 win for St. Pius.
Another batch of underdogs who triumphed were Mocha Arcadia. Giving a glimpse of what they are capable of last week, Mocha returned with spirits high, hunting the win. Whilst Jadon Ceres netted one for Timehri, Jiheam Lewis with two and Isaiah Lindon and Mathew Murry with one apiece propelled Mocha Arcadia to a 4-1 win.
In a hair raising encounter, the pendulum looked like it could swing either way between St. Ambrose and South Ruimveldt. Joseph Henry netted an early goal for St. Ambrose, but South Ruimveldt’s reply soon came from Colin Saul. Playign at one all for quite a while, Jacon Rodney of St. Ambrose found the formula for a goal, sealing his team’s 2-1 win.
In the final game of the day Enterprise and North Georgetown Primary took to the field to play for their shot at the quarterfinal. While Ronaldo Veira netted an early goal, an own goal by Enterprise soon after gave North Georgetown the upperhand. Khy Alkinson found a reply for Enterprise but it was not enough as Ronaldo Veira returned for his second, resulting in North Georgetown’s 3-1 victory.
The quarterfinal round will kick off next Saturday at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue with the Primary school teams looking to advance to the semifinals.