DEFENDING champions Patna River Estate Government Primary School have to thank the lucky toss of a coin after qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Girls Division of the 2008 Atlantic LNG National Primary Schools Football League competition.
Patna have to thank their agile goalkeeper Maxine Sharpe, who made several spectacular saves during the sudden-death penalty kicks, for keeping their dream of retaining their title alive.
Five other matches in the Round of 16 were played off at the Larry Gomes Stadium with Carapichaima RC, Palo Seco Government, Eqypt Village Government, Lower Cumuto Government and St Joseph Girls RC, also progressing to the quarter-finals to be played off at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Tuesday, November 25.
Carapichaima RC breezed into the quarter-finals, with nippy striker Zoe Swift netting a hat-trick as they beat Carenage Girls Government 3-0.
After an even first half which ended goalless, Carapichaima sprang into life after the resumption, with Swift on the rampage, scoring the only hattrick in the Round of 16.
Delise Joseph and Johanna Bruce netted a goal apiece in the second half as Palo Seco Government overcame a plucky Manzanilla Government outfit 2-0. Eqypt Village Government left it late in the second half to claim victory over Barataria AC, with Jordel Abraham scoring in the final minute of play in a match in which both teams squandered good scoring opportunities.
First half strikes by Krystal Sanchez and Gillian Small earned Lower Cumuto Government a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chaguanas RC, who dominated play in the second half but could only reply with a solitary item through Nicolette Craig.
Tshai-Ann John scored the lone item as St Joseph Girls’ RC edged Claxton Bay AC 1-0 to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Quarter-finals in the Boys Division will be played at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Monday, November 24, while the girls will play off a day later.