“Savannah Primary grab Under 9 title”

Savannah Primary was the day’s biggest winner this past Saturday as they took home the coveted Under 9 Champions Cup and Under 11 Consolation Cup as well as the Most Valuable Player Award for the Under 9s at the 2012/2013 CUC Primary Football League (PFL) finals at the Annex Field.

With four finals and two third-placed games being contested, fans were in for a special treat.

In the Under 9 Consolation Cup, Bodden Town Primary defeated Prospect Primary 1-0 with Jacoby Tugman scoring the winner and in the Under 9 Champions Cup Third-Placed game, South Sound Schools redeemed themselves with a 1-0 victory over St. Ignatius Prep following a disappointing semi final loss the week before. Aiden Hew grabbed the winner.

In the Under 9 Champions Cup Final, Savannah Primary was out for revenge against an undefeated Cayman Prep squad. Earlier in the Playoffs, the boys from Savannah were soundly beaten 6-1 by a rampaging Cayman Prep team. With that defeat etched in their minds, Savannah Primary was determined to not let history repeat itself.

Following a scoreless first half, Jawan Wray opened the scoring for Savannah in the 38th minute but almost immediately, Cayman Prep was back on level terms as Joshua Small found the back of the net in the 40th minute. With the score locked at one-a-piece at the full time whistle, both teams prepared themselves for extra time and possible penalties.

Savannah’s Jeremy Scott made sure that penalties would not decide this final as he slotted home the winner in the 53rd minute much to the delight of the Savannah faithful. At the sound of the final whistle to end extra time, the Savannah contingent went wild and ran to embrace their young heroes and heroine. They had done the impossible.

To add to their trophy haul, Savannah’s substitute goalkeeper Nicholas Franca was awarded the Gerome Graham Memorial Award as the game’s Most Valuable Player for his heroics between the posts. Young Mr. Franca was exceptional making some key, instinctive saves throughout the game.

In the Under 11 Consolation Cup Final, it was Savannah Primary’s second opportunity to grab a title as they faced Cayman International School. With the score locked at 1-1 following extra time, with Jawan Wray grabbing the lone goal for Savannah and Francisco Magno responding for Cayman International School, it was on to penalties.

Savannah’s penalty takers were precise as Jawan Wray, Arnold Berry and Jeremy Scott buried their respective penalties. Cayman International was not so fortunate as only Jonathan Rado was able to find the back of the net as Savannah Primary ran out 4-2 winners.

In the Under 11 Champions Cup Third-Placed game, Sir John A. Cumber Primary defeated St. Ignatius Prep 3-0 thanks to goals from Demonte Seymour, Barry Dre Tibbetts and Marc Parchman.

In the Under 11 Champions Cup Final, it was up to Cayman Prep’s seniors to grab a piece of glory and the last silverware of the day and they did not disappoint. A goal just before halftime from Aaron Jarvis and a ‘rocket’ from David Pitcairn in the second half was enough to see off Red Bay Primary. For his excellent play, young Mr. Pitcairn was awarded the Justin Henry Memorial Award as the game’s Most Valuable Player.

It was certainly a day for the history books. Savannah’s double victory in the Under 9 and Under 11 divisions was the first silverware in football for the school in a very long time. Cayman Prep’s Under 11 undefeated season was exceptional, considering the high quality of opposition they faced throughout the regular season and the Playoffs.

The PFL Committee thanks Progressive Distributors and Gatorade for their continued support of the PFL as well as the many teachers, parents and spectators who cheer on their players week in and week out. Thanks to all the volunteer referees including Lovine “Pillo” Jovan and Gonzalo McLaughlin. Special thanks to Dwayne Ebanks whose persistence in ensuring games during the regular season and Playoffs were properly officiated significantly added to the success of this PFL season. In addition, he spent many Playoff days organizing and guiding the young trainee referees and assistant referees.

We look forward to the 2013/2014 CUC PFL season and another great six months of entertaining youth football.