St Joseph's Convent Port of Spain, Fatima crowned North Zone champs

IT was heartbreak for Queen's Royal College (QRC) for the third consecutive year in the Coca-Cola Boys Intercol final, as the Royalians lost on penalties to Fatima College at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex on November 21.

After a goalless affair, Fatima prevailed 4-3 on penalties to lift the crown. Micah Nelson was the unfortunate one as his penalty that was struck over the crossbar sealed the win for the boys from Mucurapo Road.

QRC and Fatima could not create any clear chances early on as both goalkeepers were not required to make any saves.

Fatima were more convincing when they had the ball, maintaining possession for longer periods.

QRC attacker Phillip Nelson showed glimpses of his ability, but it did not force any saves from Fatima goalkeeper Shameal O'Brian.

On the other end, Fatima striker Michael Chaves got chances. After a low cross, his shot went straight to QRC goalie Shemuel Casimmy.

Chaves got another opportunity shortly after, but his deflected shot went over the crossbar.

In the dying seconds of the first half, Gervais Frederick's left-footed shot went wide of the Fatima goal.

In the opening minutes of the second half, Casimmy spilled the ball, but Fatima could not capitalise as Casimmy regained possession.

As both teams went in search of a goal, the fans continued to cheer on their team with the stands almost filled.

Fifteen minutes into the second half a bouncing through ball by QRC led to a collision between Fatima goalie O'Brian and one of his defenders. Play was stopped as the players needed attention.

Midway through the second period Fatima came close to scoring. The ball fell to Caden Trestrail at the top of the 18-yard box following a corner kick. He came inches away from giving Fatima the lead as his shot struck the crossbar.

The goalkeepers certainly said their prayers before the match as QRC substitute Micah Nelson's strike from more than 30 yards crashed into O'Brian's crossbar. No team could score in 90 minutes.

In the girls' north zone Intercol final played before the boys' final, St Joseph's Convent Port of Spain defeated Diego Martin Central Secondary 4-3 on penalties. The match ended 1-1. Rori Gittens gave Convent the lead in the 42nd minute. Two minutes later Gittens scored an own goal.