This past Saturday marked the beginning of the 2011/2012 CUC Primary Football (PFL) Playoffs as schools qualifying for the Champions Cups strapped up their boots once more before the Christmas break.

With the undefeated Sir John A. Cumber Primary idle due to a postponement, all eyes were on Under 9 Group B champions Cayman Prep who did not disappoint their faithful fans. Bodden Town Primary felt the full force of Prep’s pacey forwards as within 10 minutes, Bodden Town was down 2-0. As the first half progressed, the young Bodden Towners slowly got back into the game but were not able to penetrate Prep’s disciplined defence. Three quick goals ended the day’s first contest as Prep ran out comfortable 5-0 winners.

The day’s second and third Under 9 games saw St. Ignatius Prep take on NorthEast Primary and Savannah Primary squaring-off against Grace Academy.

The upstart youngsters from the eastern districts gave the St. Ignatius boys all they could handle. NorthEast attacked at every opportunity but just could not get the ball into the net. With time running out, St. Ignatius scored the all-important goal to decide this very competitive encounter.

Savannah Primary was no match for Grace Academy as the boys from West Bay secured their first playoff win 2-0.

In the Under 11 Champions Cup competition, St. Ignatius Prep and Red Bay Primary ground out a 0-0 draw and George Town Primary overcame a spirited Grace Academy team 3-0.

In the featured Under 11 game, undefeated Group A champions Sir John A Cumber Primary took on undefeated Group B champions Cayman Prep. With lots of big game hype surrounding this particular encounter, the game started very slowly with both teams taking every precaution not to give up possession and that all-important first goal.

Sir John A. Cumber’s Kameron Mendez and crew slowly began to exploit space between Prep’s midfielders and defence and were edging closer and closer to the Prep goal. Prep’s rear guard was holding up well and repelled most every Sir John A. Cumber attack.

Eventually, Sir John A. Cumber’s prolific attackers were not to be outdone as they finally broke the deadlock and added a second before halftime. 2-0 down, Prep’s David Pitcairn and Jonah Narborough continued to prod and probe as the second half began and their persistence finally paid off as young Pitcairn found the corner of the net to bring his team to within one.

An injury to Prep’s starting goalkeeper meant added pressure was now on the Prep defence to keep the game close. Unfortunately for the Prepsters, Sir John A. Cumber stepped up their attacks and the brave boys from George Town could not contain their opponents as Sir John A. Cumber added a pair of goals before the final whistle sounded.

Sir John A. Cumber’s 4-1 triumph marked the end of the day’s play and a memorable first day of the Playoffs.

Special thanks to officials Dwayne Ebanks, Gary Whittaker and Chastine Rankine who handled all the games.

The 2011/2012 PFL Playoffs recommence on Saturday, January 7, 2012 following the holiday break for the both the Champions Cups and Consolation Cups.

Complete scores and standing from the 2011/2012 PFL Playoffs can be viewed on CUC’s website at www.cuc-cayman.com. Simply navigate to “About Us” on the home page and click on “Community Involvement” and “Primary Football League”.