Cayman Prep takes trophy in PFL opening tourney

(CUC-PFL):  Reigning Under 11 Champions Cayman Prep defeated an improving Prospect Primary team 2-1 in the final of the 2013/2014 CUC PFL Opening Rally Saturday at the Annex Field. Ironically, the final game of the 2013/2014 Opening Rally was a rematch of the first game of the Rally between the two finalists as both schools were drawn to face each other in Zone B along with Bodden Town Primary. In that encounter, Cayman Prep emerged with the victory in penalties after both teams failed to find the net during regular time. The final featured the two most consistent teams on the day and although both sets of players were visibly drained from the day’s heat, the final itself was an entertaining game of football.

Cayman Prep’s influential midfielder Harrison Hew and Most Valuable Player of the final was the central figure in a majority of Cayman Prep’s attacks. He rounded off his superb performance with the first goal for his teamand played a major part in the second goal as Nick McCallum rounded off the scoring.

Not to be outdone, Prospect Primary came close on numerous occasions but were unable to put the finishing touches on many enterprising attacks. Louie Booden, younger brother of Prospect Primary legend Rico Bodden, couldn’t find the back of the net with Cayman Prep’s goalkeeper having an excellent game himself.

Finally, Prospect’s Angelo Forbes found a gap in Cayman Prep’s back line and blasted his side back into contention with a well-taken goal. The action continued as Prospect fought bravely to try and grab the equaliser but it was not to be as Cayman Prep secured the season’s first silverware.

Cayman Prep’s journey to the final began with the penalty shootout victory over Prospect Primary and a 6-2 defeat of Bodden Town Primary to top Zone B . A quarter final victory over George Town Primary on penalties and a 3-1 semi final win over NorthEast Schools ensured their place in the final. Prospect Primary’s second place finish in Zone B following the initial loss to Cayman Prep and a 2-1 victory over Bodden Town Primary, propelled them into the quarter finals and a date with reigning Opening Rally champions Sir John A. Cumber Primary.

A 1-0 victory over the boys from West Bay coupled with a 3-1 defeat of St. Ignatius Prep in the semi finals, booked Prospect’s place in the final. The surprise team of the tournament was NorthEast Schools who for the first time in Primary League Football history, got their hands on a trophy after securing a third place finish with a penalty shootout win over St. Ignatius Prep.

As runners-upin Zone C, Northeast Schools defeated Zone A winners South Sound Schools 1-0 in the quarter finals and lost 3-1 to eventual champions Cayman Prep in the semi finals.
St. Ignatius Prep’s passage to the third-place game started with a 1-0 loss to South Sound Schools, a 2-0 win over Red Bay Primary in Zone A, a quarter final victory over Zone D winners Savannah Primary in a penalty shootout and a 3-1 semi final loss to Prospect Primary.

Special thanks to youth referees Thompson Hew, Collin Ebanks and Rico Bodden, under the tutelage of Dwayne Ebanks and Chastine Rankine, for officiating the day’s games. Thanks to all the parents and supporters who continue to cheer on the league, players and schools.

Traditionally, the Opening Rally marks the beginning of a new Primary Football League season. The 2013/2014 PFL regular season begins this Saturday, October 5 with a number of games scheduled at various primary school venues around the Island. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the players and schools.