Latest update February 6th, 2025 7:27 AM
Waramadong into final after pulsating 3-0 Penalty kick win over Covent Garden
By Franklin Wilson
Covent Garden almost spoiled Waramadong’s march into the final of the Digicel Schools Football Championship, clawing their way back from a 2-0 deficit before the Upper Mazaruni side prevailed via penalty kicks at the Uitvlugt Community Centre ground to seal a date against defending champions Wismar/Christianburg who defeated St. George’s 6-1, on Sunday at the Eve Leary ground.
As pre-game favourites, Waramadong were riding high at the end of the first
Sealer! Waramadong’s Whazir Bascome (#11) kisses his shirt after scoring the third and final penalty that sunk Covent Garden whose goalie, Joshua Allen lays on the soggy goal line after being beaten.
half on a field that was fairly hard but the respective goal areas were as soggy as can be owing to the lack of proper care and the abuse of same by players during rainfall.
However, the Digicel officials did their best to neutralize the muddy area by sand filling in order for the game to play. Once the referee’s whistle was sounded, the ensuing action was gleefully absorbed by the huge crowd that was on hand, the majority backing Waramadong.
It did not take too long for Waramadong, who had been dominating proceedings to crack the Covent Garden defence before beating goalkeeper Joshua Allen via a well taken shot off the boot of Myles Albert in the 7th minute.
The Upper Mazaruni side looked the part as they allowed the ball to do the work, putting together multiple passes and most of the play being concentrated in the Covent Garden half of the field.
The pressure was surely on the East Bank side to the extent that they introduced fresh legs in as early as the 25th minute, Ronaldo Simone making way for Ricky Dass. But eight (8) minutes later, Waramadong doubled the advantage when the prolific goal scorer, Whazir Bascome rocked the nets in the 33rd minute.
The half time whistle came with the score unchanged and Waramadong feeling fairly comfortable and confident that they were on their way to the championship game.
But no one including the Upper Mazaruni supporters which included Region # 7 Chairman Gordon Bradford and his Deputy Amrita Thomas could have predicted what was to come in the second period of play.
Covent Garden, with the winds from the Atlantic behind their backs came on very strong to the extent that they had Waramadong with their backs against the walls.
The comeback for Covent Garden started four minutes into the second half when they won a corner. Matthew Charles’ kick curled into the back of the nets at the far post with custodian Gerald Isaacs stuck at the first post.
The goal sent the East Bank side into a frenzy as they suddenly sensed that they were back into the game. Waramadong for the first time in the competition seemed like they hadn’t an answer for the Covent
Covent Garden’s Roddick McKenzie (#5) battles the Waramadong player for possession at the Uitvlugt Community Centre ground yesterday.
Garden side.
The Upper Mazaruni side were placed under further pressure in the 55th minute when Covent Garden pounded in the equalizer compliments of an Eson Haynes goal that was scored in a close battle with goalie Isaacs.
There was some amount of body contact to the extent that it ended any further participation of Isaacs in the game, he suffered a knee injury and was later seen with his left feet strapped up. It was a huge loss for the Waramadong side but their number two goalkeeper Neil Henrito proved to be a solid replacement as all would have found out later.
Despite the fact that the game was tied at 2-2, the action intensified with both sides trying desperately for the go ahead goal. Covent Garden’s backline blocked numerous shots as the Waramadong team shot from all directions.
They forced many corners but Covent Garden, which had a few raids on goal of their own, refused to buckle under the pressure.
With neither team budging, nor no further goals coming into play, penalty kicks were required to decide the winner.
This is where Covent Garden cracked under the pressure but Waramadong stood tall as they nailed all three shots whilst Covent Garden missed all theirs.
Hitting the back of the nets for Waramadong were Henton Browne, Jasee Morris and Whazir Bascome. For Covent Garden, Roddick McKenzie shot was blocked by Henrito, captain Trevor Jones sent his shot wide of the right upright, while Matthew Charles’ shot crashed into the cross bar and out.
A hard fought win for Waramadong and heartbreak for Covent Garden. Attention will now turn to Sunday’s final, a repeat of last year’s championship game. Covent Garden and St. George’s will clash in the third place game prior to the final. A massive crowd is anticipated to grace the Eve Leary ground.
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