St Benedict's, Pleasantville claim south Intercol titles in contrasting fashion

St Benedict's College and Pleasantville Secondary continued their impressive runs in the 2024 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) season when they won the respective boys' and girls' Coca-Cola south zone Intercol finals at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on November 22.

St Benedict's, who finished atop the 2024 premier division table after going unbeaten through 15 games, defeated rivals Naparima College by a 5-4 margin on penalties after a goalless stalemate in regulation time.

There were several chances for both teams, but goalkeeper Mikhail Clement was a rock between the sticks for Naparima at one end, while his teammates were unable to break the deadlock at the other end.

SSFL premier division top-scorer Derrel "Zum Zum" Garcia cut a frustrated figure for most of the game, as Clement was alert to a pair of close range efforts, with the Naparima centre back pair of Antonio Hills and Darion Hernandez also keeping a close watch on the TT under-20 attacker.

In the 87th minute, Man of the Match Adam Pierre came close to sealing the game for Benedict's when he crashed a right-footed volley just over bar after a clearance from Darius Procope.

In the shootout, Clement gave his team the perfect start when he saved Benedict's first kick – an effort from midfielder Josiah Ochoa.

Both teams missed twice in their first five kicks, as the teams were locked at 3-3. In sudden-death kicks, Lyshaun Morris and substitute Elijah David both scored for Benedict's, with Ryan Radellant finding the net for "Naps."

With Benedict's leading 5-4, the pressure fell on Procope, who skied his attempt well over the bar after being ordered to put on shin guards by referee Timothy Derry.

Benedict's, whose last appearance in the national Intercol final came in 2022, will contest this year's national Intercol semi against the winner of the quarterfinal between Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School and Signal Hill Secondary. The semifinal will be played in Couva on November 29.

The boys' final was gripping throughout. However, the preceding girls' final was one-sided as they come as Pleasantville lifted the zonal crown with a hammering 17-0 win over Moruga Secondary despite losing their goalkeeper Akeila Marryshow to a red card in the first half.

With Player of the Match Nikita Gosine in fine form with a stunning eight-goal performance, Pleasantville were in a class of their own.

Skipper Janike Ramoutar got the ball rolling for the Brian London-coached team with a hat-trick inside the firs 15 minutes, with Khairiyah Fortune, Natalia Gosine and Tayeann Wylie scoring two goals each to power the reigning national girls' Intercol champs.

Nikita was undoubtedly the star of the show, and she saved the best for last when she scored the 17th and final goal in the rout with a bullet into the top corner from about 25 yards.

After their dominant showing, Pleasantville will progress to the national semifinal where they will play central zone winners Miracle Ministries on December 1.

Last season, Pleasantville defeated Miracle Ministries by a 2-1 margin in the final to lift the national title.