Naparima beat San Juan for ‘Big 5’

ADISA CONNEL scored a decisive 41st minute header as Naparima defeated San Juan 1-0 at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima yesterday to claim the British Gas Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Big 5 title. Naparima, who lifted the trophy in 1999, were beaten 3-1 by the “Green Machine” St Augustine at the same venue in the 2004 final. A year later, Naps stamped their authority on their complacent opponents, who struggled to come to terms with the gravity of the occasion. With veterans Renato Ramlochan and national Under-17 captain Javed Mohammed controlling the Naps’ midfield, and 13-year-old Shahdon Winchester and strike partner Adisa Connel troubling the San Juan defence with their pace and control, the Southerners asserted themselves quickly in front of a crowd estimated at 3,000. In the 32nd minute of play, an unmarked Connel collected a right-side centre from Nigel Wright but saw his shot deflected wide by goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel.

A beautifully-taken left-footed freekick from Mohammed, in the 41st, found Ramlochan but his header was pushed outside by Samuel. From the resulting right-side corner, Mohammed’s left-footer was powerfully headed home by Connel. The Naps’ defence expertly neutralised the San Juan attacking quartet of captain Elijah Manners, fellow striker Jonathan Romain, midfielders Kerry Daniel and Anthony Guppy. Even with the introduction of Kadeem Gibbs —  who was noticeably injured —  on the hour-mark and the inclusion of Curtis Gonzalez for the ineffective Guppy, in the 78th, were unable to turn the tide in San Juan’s favour. Leston Shade’s work between the uprights was clearly impressive, and his confident nature rubbed off on the team, who ensured that their goal was not to be denied.

Teams —
NAPARIMA —  Leston Shade; Sherrick Hillaire (capt), Dazel Lara, Kevin De Verteuil, Cion Samuel; Nigel Wright (Jamol Pierre 60th), Renato Ramlochan, Jayson Joseph (Dwight Charles 65th), Javed Mohammed; Shahdon Winchester (Andres Bestidas 85th), Adisa Connel.
SAN JUAN —  Glenroy Samuel; Akil Harley, Dexter Edwards (Kadeem Gibbs 60th), Nathan Purcell, Joel Russell; Berhane Beckles, Rodell Elcock, Kerry Daniel, Anthony Guppy (Curtis Gonzalez 78th); Elijah Manners (capt), Jonathan Romain (Imiliano Joseph 69th)