Stoney Ground Primary wins male and female football titles

A copious, partisan crowd gathered at the Coronation softball field to watch the championship games between Road and Stoney Ground Primary school male and female football teams.  The expectations of the crowd were far exceeded by two high caliber games.  In the first finals, Stoney Ground Primary lead by Colleen “ Coco” Johnson (#14) controlled the game by dominating possession and shooting opportunities.  This pressure resulted in a first half goal, but Road Primary continued fighting and counter attacking. 

During the half time break coaches Collin Liddy (Road Primary) and Collin Johnson (Stoney Ground Primary) conducted quick analyses and provided some tactics.  As the second half progressed the experienced Colleen “ Coco” Johnson (#14) stood head and shoulders above her opponents as she scored the second goal sending the partisan crowd into a state of euphoria and shock simultaneously.  Though Road School tried pressing there was no answer to their pressure as the Stoney Ground Primary girls won by a score of 2:0.

When the boys took to the field one could have sensed a dense sheet of tension amongst the crowd.  Both teams played well as they counter attacked each other at every given opportunity.  Road Primary School struck gold first as Shakeem Lewis (#14) scored from a shot on goal from inside the box.  Stoney Ground’s response was resolute as Alrique Rogers (# 7) pounded a ball to the back of the net leveling the scores.

Alrique Rogers (# 7) was not finished as a few minutes later he scored another goal.  It seemed to be a tic for tac scoring régime as Shakeem Lewis (#14) scored the equalizing goal with a shot from outside the box to put both school at 2:2. 

The crowd was sighing and rocking with every goal as the game came down to its final moments in regulation time.  Soon Road Primary School fans almost fainted as Kerwin Benjamin (#4) headed home Stoney Ground’s third goal.  One could have seen despair, disbelief and heart ache on their faces. 

A tactical change by Coach Collin Liddy seemed to be the correct medicine to ease his supporters’ pain.  His substitute Ricardo Petty (# 10) lived up to the high standards that his predecessors such as Alec, Asta, and Asiif Niles and Shervaughn Edwards exemplified.  He showed poise, control and ingenuity as he weaved his way through Stoney Ground’s defense to score from a shot to the goal.   With the scores leveled both teams came close to winning the match in regulation time.  However this game was destined to go into over time. 

In the first half of overtime both teams came close to scoring with Road Primary having a few more opportunities.  As each team seemed tired, their willingness to continue over rode their physical wills.  Stoney Grounds’ Javez Hamilton (# 8) who had the misfortune of not scoring earlier found the back of the net with a shot to goal.  In unison segments of the crowd erupted in a loud cheer of relief as Stoney Ground primary had wrestled the victory and title of Primary School champion from Road Primary School with a score line of 4:3.

Table showing school positions

Individual Awards (* MVP denotes Most valuable player, Schools and awardees listed in order of placing).