The 2013/2014 CUC Primary Football League (PFL) Playoffs got underway this past Saturday with the first of four rounds featuring the top eight schools from the Under 9 and Under 11 divisions vying for the prestigious Champions Cups.

In the Under 9 Champions Cup, St. Ignatius Prep defeated Prospect Primary 4-0 thanks to strikes from Chad Owens in the 3rd minute, Daniel Rivers in the 32nd and Matthew Lloyd-Hickey in the 46th minute. Prospect’s Brevon Watson turned the ball into his own net from a corner in the 41st minute to complete the scoring.

In other Under 9 games, Sir John A. Cumber Primary opened their playoff schedule with a 3-0 victory over South Sound Schools with the smallest player on the field Shanjae Bodden netting a brace in the 3rd and 36th minutes and Rashaad Powery adding the third in the 40th minute.

Savannah Primary continued their undefeated run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over NorthEast Schools and Cayman Prep secured a 1-0 win over Cayman International School.

In the Under 11 Champions Cup, St. Ignatius Prep defeated NorthEast Schools 3-1 with Brad Lansdell scoring twice in the 43rd and 49th minutes and Matthew Lloyd-Hickey clinching the win in the 53rd minute. NorthEast Schools’ Jacquan Miller had opened the scoring in the 13th minute for the boys from the east.

In other games it was Savannah Primary 1 vs. Prospect Primary 1 and George Town Primary 2 vs. South Sound Schools 2.

In the days feature game, defending Champions Cup winners and Opening Rally champions Cayman Prep faced Sir John A. Cumber Primary. Supporters for both schools were out in full force and although the score would end up 0-0, there was certainly no shortage of action at both ends.

Cayman Prep went on the attack from the kick-off but found Sir John A. Cumber’s rearguard up for the challenge especially goalkeeper Omar Bodden who had an exceptional game.

Cayman Prep constantly switched their attackers in search of goals with standouts Victor Thompson Jr., Harrison Hew, Aaron Jarvis and Igor Magalhaes sharing the touches up front. Sir John A. Cumber Primary were resolute in defence as they repelled attack after attack.

Sir John A. Cumber’s primary attackers Jahrian Bodden, Daniel Wallace and Malachi Myles were themselves trying to find a “chink” in the Cayman Prep armour but found Joshua Small on form in the Prep goal. Both schools were defending extremely well with most of the shots being hit from outside the penalty area.

Prep’s Igor Magalheas had an effort cleared off the line as he steared a ball towards goal after evading the challenge of the centre back and Omar Bodden in goal. Prep’s Aaron Jarvis was finding his range as he drove a few shots goal wards only to find young Bodden equal to the task between the West Bay posts.

As the game came to a close, Cayman Prep held the advantage in possession and shots but could not find a way through the Sir John A. Cumber defence.

It was frustrating afternoon for the Prepsters and the Boys from the west seemed happier with the point, after all, this was the first time this season that Cayman Prep had not scored a goal.

Special thanks to Dwayne Ebanks and Shakur Welcome for assisting with officiating duties.

The second round of the 2013/2014 CUC PFL Playoffs continues this Saturday, December 7 at the Annex Field with 12 games scheduled in the Consolation and Champions Cup in both age groups.

Fans of ‘the powerful game’ are invited back to the Annex Field for another exciting day of youth football action.