Tigers book Intercol final spot

FROM A through pass by captain Julius James, Kevon Neaves hit a first-time shot past QRC goalkeeper Thorne Holder, in the dying seconds of the first half of sudden-death extra time, to give the “Westmoorings Tigers” St Anthony’s a 1-0 victory and a place in the RBTT National Intercol final. Next Thursday, the defending champs will face off against the winners of Monday’s other semi-final matchup between Signal Hill and Arima. Holder, the Royalians captain, proved the difference between both teams, making a number of excellent and crucial saves to deny the rampaging Tigers time and again.

A lob by James, from a feed by Neaves, was held by an airborne Holder in the 19th minute, and five minutes later James, after a one-two with striker Dwight Crichlow, had his shot parried. Again, a Neaves pass on the left was headed against the bar by James in the 50th while a minute later, Holder parried a powerful Abiola Sandy drive wide. Midfielder Clevon George got into the act in the 58th, smashing a 25-metre left footed drive against and uprights, an in the 83rd minute a Neaves free-kick was tipped over bar, while Holder denied Sandy a chance for the winner in the 89th. The Royalians did have their moments though, as midfielder and dead-ball specialist Mikhael Awai forced Tigers goalie Kegan Davidson to produce a diving save from a 47th minute free-kick. And striker Kyle McIvor eluded the St Anthony’s offside trap in the 68th but failed to get past the challenge of defender Kareem Freitas. But the Tigers were not going to be denied on the afternoon, and Neaves would seal victory after 100 minutes of play.