Tutorial Academy Secondary win Wilbur Hope schools memorial football competition

Sep 23, 2012 Sports

Tutorial Academy Secondary School (TASS) chose the right time to enact revenge on Berbice High School by securing a 2-1 victory in the final to come out winners of the inaugural Wilbur Hope Memorial Inter Secondary School Football competition which was played on Friday at the All Saints Scots Church Ground in New Amsterdam.
TASS looked more purposeful as the game began and surprised their opponents by scoring two early goals and held on until the end to secure the first linen on the Wilbur Hope Memorial trophy as BHS fought relentlessly to come back in the game. Jermaine Whitney had things going for TASS in the 10th minute when he latched on to a cross from one of his teammates and made no mistake, Renaldo August then doubled things 10 minutes later when he beat the goalkeeper with a well taken shot that skidded pass the outside the box. Both teams continued to battle and missed some easy chances.

The winning TASS team pose with their silverware and sponsor Kevin Henry at left, coordinator Neil Humphrey at right and sports teacher M. Outam.

BHS came out more determined in the second half and attacked relentlessly as TASS defended for all their worth and it was not until the 54th minute when Jeremy Semple scored from the penalty spot to pull one back.
BHS have only themselves to blame as their strikers threw away some easy sitters with only the keeper to beat and the empty goal on occasions.
Earlier in the third place playoff, Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) edged out New Amsterdam Multilateral (NAMS) 4-3 on penalty kicks after the game ended 1-1 draw at full time.
NAMS got things rolling first as Shekel Grant scored in the 20th minute to take the lead which they maintained for the entire first half. BEI had to wait until the 45th minute when Rolex Semple converted to bring things even as the score line remained unchanged.
At the presentation ceremony that followed TASS were presented with the beautiful Wilbur Hope trophy and 16 Medals, while each player from BHS and BEI were presented with medals.
The MVP award went to Mark Wrong of BHS, while the best striker and most goals awards went to Keyon McKenzie also of BHS. Steford Edwards of BEI was awarded the best midfielder prize. The best defender was Jermaine Samuels of BHS and the goalkeeper, Omari Bentam of BEI.
The tournament attracted six schools with Canje Secondary School (CSS) and Vryman’s Erven Secondary School (VESS) being the other two participants.
During the presentation ceremony the organisers expressed some concerns of players not attending school but were still allowed to represent their schools. They stated that in the future any student participating in a football tournament must have at least 80% attendance before they participate in any football tournament organised by the Hearts of Oak football club.
Sponsor of the tournament, Kevin Henry, expressed some disappointment at the level of football played and the discipline exhibited during the tournament. Speaking with some amount of feelings, he told the players that they should stop feeling too big for the game. ”Not because someone told you that you are good makes you a great player. Most of you still do not know the basics of the game and you really need to do a lot and quickly to catch up. “ He advised the parents and teachers present to stop hyping up the youngsters too much and help them to improve on their all round ability.
Henry a member of the USA military noted that there was too much anger and fighting among the youths and wondered what was the problem. He told them that they were lucky to have so much facilities and in good health available to them. He gave his experience while in Afghanistan where he saw children without legs, hands, face and some in rubbish bins searching for their next meal.
He was whoever high in praise for the way the tournament was organised and conducted and promised a bigger a better tournament next year. Coordinator Neil Humphrey expressed his satisfaction with the turnout of the teams and promised the sponsor improvement in the future.
Wilbur Hope was a national footballer, athlete and cricketer, coach and referee and was hailed as a mentor and one who made tremendous contributions to the development to youths, sports and community activities in Berbice.
Hope’s relatives last year handed over a Pavilion which was constructed in the Tucber Park ball field in honour and memory of his 10th death anniversary to the people of the Tucber Park Community.
The competition, which was sponsored by US Army soldier and former New Amsterdam resident, Kevin Henry, also had support from among others some of his former school mates and fellow New Amsterdam residents most of whom are overseas including Samuel Braithwaite, Geannease Gray, William Isaacs, Stacy Fung Fook, Shanauy McPherson and Shellon Bollers.
The respective schools were presented with Jerseys, Trunks and two footballs each.