Leonora Primary crowned new Courts Pee-Wee champions after thrilling penalty shootout

Leonora Primary edged St John the Baptist 6-5 in a sudden-death penalty shootout to claim the Courts Optical Pee-Wee Football Championship title in a dramatic finale at the Ministry of Education Ground.

The final, a battle of first-time contenders, finished 1-1 after full-time, forcing the contest into the dreaded penalty lottery.

Leonora’s Jonathan Melvin handed his side the initial lead with a goal in the 17th minute.

However, the advantage was cancelled out late in the second half when St John the Baptist won a penalty, which Aaron Christian coolly converted in the 55th minute.

After extra time failed to separate the sides, the shootout commenced.

It culminated in a tense, sudden-death scenario, which saw Leonora seal the victory 6-5.

The final day also saw recognition for the tournament’s standout players:

• Jonathan Melvin (Leonora) was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
• Aaron Christian (St John the Baptist) secured the Highest Goal-Scorer award with 12 goals in the competition.
• Akeem Johnson (Leonora) was named the Best Goalkeeper

In the third-place playoff earlier in the afternoon, West Ruimveldt Primary defeated Redeemer Primary 1-0, thanks to Ceon Rajkumar’s winning strike in the 37th minute.

The top three teams were rewarded with trophies, medals, and flat-screen televisions, while the individual prize winners carted off vouchers, phones, and trophies.