The build-up to the game was of World Cup proportions as both classes boasted of star players such as Kern Cedeno, Joshua Dowlath and Arvind Ramnarine of 3N and Marvin Waldrop, Darius Deonarine and Jkwon Bailey of 3P. A gentle shower blessed the pitch earlier that day making the playground a perfect mixture of grass, earth and moisture.

From as early as the fifth minute referee Keane Subero brandished his red card, giving Waldrop his marching orders. The triple crown champion was left regretting his repeated infringement as 3P were left with six players in this seven a side tournament.

The first goal came moments after from Cedeno as he slotted past keeper Darius Deonarine, giving 3N a 1-0 lead. However, it was Bailey’s attempted overhead kick that sent the crowd in a tizzy, just as the halftime whistle blew. The halftime chat with player/ coach Aditya Persad worked wonders as Skipper Bailey equalised with a sizzling free kick from just outside the penalty box. Bailey turned villain moments after as keeper Narad Kissondath saved his penalty attempt a la David de Gea.

With the score tied, 3N got a go ahead goal which came as Cedeno volleyed a right side cross that hit the underside of the crossbar before nestling in the back of the net. The luchtime crowd showed their appreciation with cheers from all supporters. Before the crowd could catch their breath, Bailey fired from the half line beating Kissondath to his right- score 2-2 with eight minutes remaining. Bailey lead his team admirably as one would have never guessed they were a player short. One fan shouted, “We playing better with less men.” This was probably true as with six minutes to go Bailey completed his hattrick, giving 3P the first lead of the game- 3-2.

With four minutes to go some supporters started to leave the playground, thinking it was all over for 3N. Cedeno asked the crowd to stay, when he equalised with a rocket of a free kick that left Deonarine puzzled as to what just passed him. The crowd obliged. Ramnarine and Dowlath pressured 3P’s defence, but the final pass was elusive. Penalty kicks must have been on the minds of everyone but 3P would have none of it. With seconds left, Bailey’s shot hit the crossbar and rebounded to striker Vishwesh Pattanaik who rose to the occasion and nodded the ball in the corner of the goal, leaving the goalkeeper wishing he was elastic. The enthusiastic crowd stormed the field momentarily as assistant P.E teacher Stephen Harripersad called the crowd to order. Just after the restart referee Subero blew his whistle, giving 3P a 4-3 victory over rivals 3N.

At the post- match conference Bailey said, “As a footballer you always dream of scoring a hattrick and it was my honour to help my class in winning this championship.”

Pattanaik who is well known for his cricket talent, was humble as he said, “ I’m just happy to be part of a winning team.” The under 14 fast bowler also added, “My cricket training and fitness helped me a lot in this tournament.”

3N’s captain Cedeno said, “It is a difficult loss but that’s the game of football. I look forward to next year’s tournament, when hopefully we can win.”

Mr. Richard Nagaur P.E. teacher also gave a brief comment on this year’s tournament, he said, “I would like to thank my assistant Stephen Harripersad for his support throughout the tournament. With him we were able to implement a successful programme as the hosting of the games was part of the School Based Assessment for the students studying Physical Education at the CSEC level.” He went on to give thanks to the Principal, Dr. Dowlath for supporting the competitive nature of the boys at the interclass level as well as facilitating Physical Education at both Ordinary and Advanced levels.

Photo Credit: Pete Sankar (3N)

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