A team which was trailing in second almost entirely throughout the season, Chaguanas North captured the Central Zone title with a stunning 2-1 win over the title favourite Carapichaima East Secondary on the final day of the zone’s BGTT First Citizens Secondary Schools Football League action, yesterday.
The win was ironically recorded at Carapichaima’s home ground, by the same margin (3-2) in which Carapichaima won the first leg last month. Unfortunately for Carapichaima custodian Ricardo Paul, it was a slight blunder which resulted in Chaguanas North’s winner in the 88th minute, which came off a shot from Stephen Cruickshank. The title winner opened the scoring in the 20th minute through an effort from Deon O’Garro, which was only moments later cancelled out by a Yaseen Rivas item (24th).
In the end, it was Chaguanas North’s superior goal-difference which gave it the title as both teams ended with seven wins and one loss. Despite losing the title on the final day, Carapichaima, which has already won a title this campaign, the inaugural Ormond Gabriel Trophy, will feature along with Chaguanas North in next year’s SSFL Premier League. All three other zones in Trinidad, however, will feature four.
Tobago will not feature in the first Premier League. Tobago’s winner was also determined yesterday. Due to Scarborough’s drawing goal-less with Pentecostal L&L on Friday and Mason Hall’s 3-2 loss to Signal Hill yesterday, Speyside won the title with a two matches in hand.
Speyside will continue league action tomorrow when it faces Roxborough Secondary at Louis D’Or. Down South, zonal champion Presentation College of San Fernando’s wish to defend its league crown was once again put on hold yesterday as its clash with Shiva Boys Hindu College failed to kick off due to a no-show of match officials. The match has been postponed.
However, St Benedict’s was in action and enjoyed a 5-0 thrashing of promoted team Mayaro Secondary. Prominent forward Yafeu Rougier scored a brace while Kyle Celestine, Shaquille Ferrier and Tyler Williams added one each. The win saw St Benedict’s overtake Shiva Boys for third place. In the East, St Augustine Secondary which was crowned league champion of the zone in midweek completed its league fixtures with a 2-0 win over El Dorado East Secondary.
Jordan Devonish and league top-scorer Ricardo John were both on target once again with a first half goal each. Up North, East Mucurapo Secondary went level with St Mary’s College on 26 points, when it eased past Fatima College 3-1.
Aaqil Campbell scored in either half. St Anthony’s College, which remains with a slight chance of capturing the title went a point behind St Mary’s and Mucurapo with a 6-4 win over Queen’s Royal College.
St Mary’s remains in the lead with a three goal advantage on goal-difference ahead of East Mucurapo. On the final day of the league on Wednesday, St Mary’s will almost be assured the title if it wins against Malick, while East Mucurapo will have to win by a wide margin against St Anthony’s if Saints do win.
Results
North Zone
Malick 3 vs Diego Martin North 2
East Mucurapo 3 (Aaqil Campbell 5th, 75th, Joshua Sylvester 20th) vs Fatima 1 (Marquis Hoyte 53rd)
St Anthony’s 6 (Jamol Francois 3, Kadeem Corbin 2, Dwayne Calliste) vs QRC 4
East Zone
St Augustine 2 (Jordan Devonish, Ricardo John) vs El Dorado West 0
Arima North 3 (Taryk Sampson 2, Thomas O’Neal) vs El Dorado East 0
Trinity East 3 vs San Juan North 3 (Josiah Trimmingham 3)
Central Zone
Chaguanas North 2 (Deon O’Garro 20th, Stephan Cruickshank 88th) vs Carapichaima East 1 (Yaseem Rivas 24th)
Tabaquite 3 vs Vishnu Boys 2
South Zone
Presentation San Fernando vs Shiva Boys - Did Not Play (No officials)
St Benedict’s 5 (Yafeu Rougier 37th, 47th, Kyle Celestine 56th, Shaquille Farrier 72nd, Tyler Williams 87th) vs Mayaro 0
Princes Town 1 (Quinn Rodney) vs Pleasantville 1 (Stephen Ashby)
Tobago Zone
Goodwood 1 vs Bishop’s 1
Signal Hill 3 vs Mason Hall 2
Friday
Scarborough 0 vs Pentecostal L&L 0
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