Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition...Christianburg / Wismar use speed, strength to deny Waramadong

Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition…Christianburg / Wismar use speed, strength to deny Waramadong

Jul 17, 2012 Sports

By Rawle Welch
Their speed, strength and stamina were not in question, but rather their resilience and when the final whistle sounded to signal the end of another successful year of the Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition, newly-crowned champions Christianburg / Wismar had answered that query in emphatic fashion after defeating a technically skilled Waramadong team 5-2 in the final on Sunday evening at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

The large gathering of football fans who came out on Sunday to witness the future stars during the staging of the final of the Digicel Nationwide Schools Competition.

Played before a capacity crowd that included Digicel’s CEO Gregory Dean, Marketing Executive Jacqueline James, Chief Education Officer Olato, Acting President of the Guyana Football Federation Franklin Wilson, staff members of Digicel and a host of supporters from the Region 7 community, the two teams, undoubtedly the best in the school system treated the fans to a high class exhibition of football and sadly at the end of a bruising affair there was only one winner.
Tournament Highest Goalscorer Christianburg / Wismar’s Marmalique Davidson once again showcased his immense talent, netting four goals in the 43rd, 48th, 54th and 83rd minutes, while Leon Hohenkirk added the other on the stoke of full time.
Waramadong, who many rallied with to grab the coveted prize, got their goals from the prolific Cirilo George, who netted in the 31st minute and Whazir Bascombe in the 62nd.
In the third place playoff, St. Ignatius proved too strong for Bygeval, hammering them 6-2 in a one-sided encounter.
On target for the winners were Shefar Sanichar, who blasted in a helmet-trick in the 40th, 51st, 69th and 87th minutes, while Mark Joseph booted in a brace in the 47th and 61st.
Marvin Smith in the 10th and Samuel Charles 43rd scored the consolation goals for Bygeval.
The much hyped feature clash lived up to its billing as the two teams created early opportunities to take the lead, but excellent goalkeeping supported by alert defending thwarted their offensive forays.
However, Christianburg / Wismar had the best chance to gain the ascendancy when they won a penalty after a player was fouled inside the ‘danger’ zone, but the spot kick produced a magnificent diving save from goalkeeper Gerald Isaacs, who palmed the ball into touch for a corner kick.
Shortly after, they got another chance to take the lead, but Isaacs was there, tipping the ball onto his knees, before it bounced into touch for another corner.

Digicel's CEO Gregory Dean seen addressing the teams and fans during the presentation ceremony when he promised the Company's future support for the tournament.

Those two misses seemed to ignite Waramadong and they took the lead through George, who reached on to a cross from the left side that had eluded defenders and goalkeeper Daniel English and nonchalantly side-footed it into an empty goal as the partisan band of supporters erupted into ecstasy.
Christianburg / Wismar despite falling behind never relented and got the equalizer twelve minutes later off the boots of Davidson to keep the proceedings level at the break.
Gaining confidence all the while, the Lindeners got two more goals from Davidson, before Waramadong responded through Bascombe from the penalty spot, but Davidson was not done as he duly completed his tally which gave them a 4-2 cushion with time running out for the Region 7 team.
To add icing on the cake, Hohenkirk shortly before the whistle sounded added his name to the score-sheet to emphasise their dominance during the encounter.
The three top finishers will receives $500,000, $300,000 and $200,000 respectively to go towards a Project of their choice.
Dean speaking during the presentation ceremony thanked all the schools that participated in the month-long competition, promising to make the event bigger and better next year.
“You have the commitment from us, we are here to stay and help in the development and showcase of young talent through the staging of this tournament,” Dean assured.
Sam, who seemed quite excited with the talent on display, said after watching the matches that football was the winner because of the quality of the teams on show.
In reference to the final, Sam stated how proud he was with the two teams talent, adding that from what was witnessed he is optimistic that high school sports is now poised and ready for takeoff.
“Guyana’s football is going to benefit from this process and I want to extend thanks to all those responsible for putting together this tournament,” Sam said.