By:Curtis Morton
It was a hyped atmosphere at the ET Willett Park on Friday 11th November, as the grand finals of the 2016 edition of the Primary schools’ football league was held.
The match was pushed back to commence at 3.00 pm in order to accommodate some of the parents being able to witness the game.
A sizeable and vociferous crowd was on hand, with the two top teams in the Ivor Walters Primary school and the St. Thomas’ Primary school, both arriving with contingents of cheer leaders.
After the impressive march on of the teams; the playing of the national anthem and the inspection of the teams by Asst. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Miss D. Michelle Liburd and Director of Youth, Miss Zahnela Claxton, Referee Ishana Broadbelt coordinated the coin toss and blew the starting whistle, with the defending champions, Ivor Walters, getting the first touch of the ball.
The St. Thomas’ team had earlier indicated that they had a plan to lock down star player for the IWPS, Damari Mitchell, but a few minutes into the first half, the out sanding player broke free leaving the STPS defensive players stranded and with just the goalie to beat, sent home a screaming bomber, with the STPS goalie flat footed.
Make that one goal to nil in favour of the defending champions.
After that however, a resurgent St. Thomas’ Primary, literally took control of the game, but time after time, failed to complete several good run throughs—either going over the cross bar or just missing the uprights.
At half time it was still one goal to nil and still anybody’s game.
However, in the second half, Damari Mitchell was brought down on the left flank, as he was hooking his way towards the goal. The referee duly awarded a free kick and despite the wall formation, the star striker kicked the ball accurately over the wall and over the head of the leaping goalie.
Make that two goals to nil, in favour of the defending champions.
There was no coming back for the STPS team. They gave it their all in the final moments of the game, but the defending champions held firm, up to the final whistle and then they celebrated.
Meanwhile, some tears were shed by the opposing players. They had fought hard, but it was not their day.
Final Score: Ivor Walters 2 St. Thomas’ Primary nil.
Ivor Walters Primary is therefore the 2016 champions of Primary school Football on Nevis.