4th Digicel Schools Football Competition Port Kaituma dethrone Santa Rosa in own backyard

Jul 17, 2014 Sports

Newly-crowned Region 1 champions Port Kaituma withstood a vigorous performance from defending champions Santa Rosa, before prevailing 1-0 to claim the title on Tuesday, at the Kumaka Recreational ground.
Playing in the 4th Annual Digicel Schools Football Competition in front of a capacity crowd, the two teams treated the fans to an exciting brand of football as they stood toe-to-toe for the entire ninety minutes duration and despite the hosts going down by a goal that came in unexpected fashion, the home supporters went away satisfied with the efforts of the two combatants who’ve been at each other’s throats for the past three years with Santa Rosa coming out victorious on the previous occasions.

The newly-crowned champions of Region 1 Port Kaituma Secondary pose for a photo op with Digicel representatives following the completion of the presentation ceremony on Tuesday.

The goal came in the 79th minute when a floated cross from the left flank resulted in Santa Rosa’s goalkeeper being caught in uncertain mode as to whether to take it on the full or on the bounce thus allowing the ball to deflect off his knees and into the path of a lurking Rod Jeffrey, who stabbed the ball into the goal.
Earlier, Port Kaituma was unfortunate not to take the lead when a free kick taken just outside the 25-yard box slammed onto the crossbar and rebounded into play, before being steered into touch for a corner.
Santa Rosa also had opportunities to score, but fine goalkeeping and some errant shooting erased their chances as the half came with no team managing to penetrate the last stop.
On the resumption, the fans were once again treated to some exceptional skills at this level as the players increased the tempo as the midfielders worked their magic feeding the ball to the strikers with unerring accuracy, but both defensive lines held firmly, leaving the game on a knife’s edge until a moment of indecision buried the hopes of Santa Rosa retaining their crown.
Port Kaituma will meet Region 5 champions Bush Lot Secondary who squeezed past Mahaicony Technical Institute 4-3 on Monday, at the Mahaicony Community Centre ground.
The game will be played in Mabaruma.