Naparima rule in SSFL 'Big Five'
By: Kern De Freitas (Express).[/size]
Naparima College made the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) National League final seem like a fight to the death, with some resolute defending to see their team to their second "Big Five" title with a 1-0 win over favourites San Juan Secondary Comprehensive yesterday at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.
Adisa Connel's free 41st minute header turned out to be enough to give "Naps" the win, as they remain the only unbeaten team for the 2005 BG T&T SSFL season.
Although their showing in Tuesday's 3-1 victory over Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive promised better things in the title match, San Juan just could not reproduce the magic that gave them a berth in the final. And Naparima had enough "Bluemagik"-as suggested by one of their supporter's flags-to make the difference.
From the kick-off, Naparima showed early aggression, but it was apparent that defending would be the key to their victory after San Juan skipper Elijah Manners found the net in the second minute, only to be adjudged offside.
Goalkeeper Leston Shade would be the real hero for Naparima, thwarting San Juan strikers Manners, Jonathan Romain and Kerry Daniel. At the other end, although 13-year-old Shahdon Winchester was having a tough time with the San Juan defence, Connel was creating quite a stir.
And in the 41st minute, he sent Naparima ahead. Renato Ramlochan caused Samuel to punch wide a header in desperation and from the ensuing corner, Connel rose from an unmarked position to head home, for a 1-0 Naps advantage at halftime.
The second period was when San Juan tested the mettle of their opponents. Manners and company forced a number of timely saves from Shade, but a committed defence threw everything at their attackers to keep the ball out.
It was clear Naps would have little chance at a second half goal so they needed to maintain their lead. Even so, San Juan had the perfect chance to draw level, but Kadeem Gibbs headed overbar from point-blank range in the 77th.
Even with more than four minutes of stoppage time, while the Naparima fans chanted "Blow de whistle, blow de whistle" at the referee, San Juan could not find the target, leaving supporters blue after the final whistle, as jubilant Naps fans made a lap of honour.
After the match, Naps manager Richard Nagaur expressed pride in his team's performance.
"I think we proved to everybody that Naps have the goods and that they can deliver," said Nagaur. "The guys played their hearts out. It may not have been our best game, but we scored one goal and they were able to defend that.
"We just have to keep our confidence and play to our strengths," Nagaur continued, "and we will win those (upcoming) games. A lot teams will have that respect for Naps now."
Teams:
Naparima:
Leston Shade; Sherrick Hillaire (capt), Dazel Lara, Kevin De Verteuil, Cion Samuel; Nigel Wright (Jamol Pierre 60th), Renato Ramlochan, Jayson Joseph (Dwight Charles 65th), Javed Mohammed; Shahdon Winchester (Andres Bestidas 85th), Adisa Connel.
San Juan:
Glenroy Samuel; Akil Harley, Dexter Edwards (Kadeem Gibbs 60th), Nathan Purcell, Joel Russell; Berhane Beckles, Rodell Elcock, Kerry Daniel, Anthony Guppy (Curtis Gonzalez 78th); Elijah Manners (capt), Jonathan Romain (Imiliano Joseph 69th).
