By Avenash Ramzan
Enterprise Primary, Marian Academy and West Ruimveldt Primary fired early warning signals to their opponents in the ninth Courts Pee Wee Under-11 football competition, emerging with convincing wins on Saturday at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.
Coordinated by the Petra Organisation, the tournament, featuring over 20 teams, got off to a relatively successful start, the only blip, if any, being the no-show of a few schools.
On a day blessed with glorious sunshine, the cool Atlantic breeze offered some respite to the humid conditions, and parents, teachers and coaches came out in high decibels in support of their respective institution.
At the end of the opening day, Enterprise Primary, Marian Academy and West Ruimveldt Primary were the most prolific scorers, easing to victory and securing the maximum points heading into the second round of action next weekend.
Enterprise Primary produced the most commanding performance, toppling Craig Primary 5-0 with four players getting on the scoresheet.
Jashan Haynes led his school’s effort with a double in the 12th and 14th minutes, while Isandro Vincent scored in the 34th minute and cousins Dontay and Fabio Kowlessar tucked in a goal apiece.
Marian Academy emerged with a 3-0 success over Timehri Primary with Kaleigh Todd (13th and 15th) scoring a double and Nyhl George (18th) adding a solitary strike.
West Ruimveldt pulled off a similar result against St. Stephen’s Primary, with Aaron Archer leading the effort with a double (13th and 15th) and Malachi Alleyne (40th) offering support.
Winfer Gardens Primary defeated Colaaco School 3-1, led by a Shamar Bishop double in the eighth and 12th minute and Isiyah Williams’ strike in the 11th. Wesley McDonald scored for Colaaco School.
Redeemer Primary defeated North Georgetown 3-2 in a tense and hotly-contested game. David De Costa of Redeemer Primary created quite a stir with his confident and attacking style of play, blasting a double for his side.
The confident young lad netted in the 18th and 26th minutes, while Adiel Hamilton scored Redeemer’s first goal in the ninth minute. Shawn Douglas was on target for North Georgetown, scoring in the eighth and 25th minutes.
Soesdyke Primary, which has been adopted by the Timehri Panthers Football Club, secured a 1-0 victory over F.E. Pollard Primary with Joshua Charles scoring the all-important goal. In the final game of the day, St. Margaret’s Primary and Smith’s Memorial played to a nil-all draw.
In other results, St. Pius Primary and Ann’s Grove Primary gained walkovers from Den Amstel Primary and Graham’s Hall Primary respectively, while the Sophia Primary versus Victoria Primary and the St. Agnes versus Mocha Primary games never materialised as all four teams failed to show up.
The competition, sponsored by Courts with support from Sterling Products Limited, will continue next Saturday at the same venue.
The winner of the tournament in November will receive the championship trophy, gold medals, and a pair of uniforms. Each player from the champion side will also be presented with an electronic tablet.
The runners-up will collect a trophy, silver medals and six balls.
Meanwhile, the third place finisher will take home a trophy and four balls, while the fourth place side will walk away with a trophy.
