Rangers keep Carapichaima knockout title

CHRISTIAN THOMAS’ goal in time added, gave Superstar Rangers a 1-0  triumph over Point Fortin Civic Centre to retain the all-day Carapichaima Under-17 Football Super League knockout title at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva. Thomas rifled in a shot from the edge of the penalty area just two minutes into the added play, after the teams were locked 0-0 at the end of the regulation 20 minutes. Earlier, Rangers edged Trendsetter Hawks 2-1 on kicks from the penalty spot, then shut out Phase IV Nationals 1-0 to advance to the quarter-finals. The “Black City Boys” edged league champions W Connection 1-0 in their semi-final match after shutting out St James Jets 1-0 in their quarter-final.

For their victory, Superstar Rangers received the $500 R Rampersad prize along with a trophy donated by Unique Sports and Book Centre. They were also given a trophy donated by Charles Branche of the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, and another trophy donated by B&G General Contractors Limited. The latter was presented by Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation technical director Lincoln Phillips. And runners-up Civic Centre collected $300 donated by Dean’s Coating and  Lining Limited. W Connection, three-time league champions, got the TTFF Trophy from Phillips.Matthew Bartholomew (W Connection) was voted the league’s Most Valuable Player after scoring six goals, and he collected the S Ramlogan and  Sons Sports Centre Trophy.

The Most Disciplined Team was Superstar Rangers who received the Doorn Peter Memorial Plaque. Before the start of the day-long knockout series, St James Jets won the 11-team march past and a trophy donated by Carapichaima Councillor Ramjit Ramnarine. Runners-up were W Connection with Presto Praesto Youth Camp getting the third prize. In an exhibition match, Club Sando whipped Cap Off Youths 4-1 with two goals either side of half-time. Apart from Phillips and Branche, Central Football Association president Brian Layne and coach Muhammad Isa attended the day’s programme, and later six players were selected to join the national Under-17 team in training.