Nine-man St Anthony’s execute smash and grab at Trinity East


It was billed as a SSFL Premier Division match but it closer resembled wrestling in the vicinity of a football. And, as it turned out, St Anthony’s College is not too bad at that game either.

There were two score summaries at the final whistle: Two St Anthony’s ejections to one from Trinity East College; and, more importantly, four goals to the “Westmooring Tigers” and two for the “Trinity Blue Hawks” at the Trinity school ground in Trincity.

Photo: St Anthony's College striker Kwesi Allen (right) tries to evade a tackle from Trinity College East defender Josh Romain. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: St Anthony’s College striker Kwesi Allen (right) tries to evade a tackle from Trinity College East defender Josh Romain.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

There were elements of today’s affair to please both coaches as grit, athleticism and defiance were not in short supply. Not much football though.

The Tigers stormed ahead within seconds of the kick off as Trinity goalkeeper Emmanuel John failed to gather a ball from the first move of the game and St Anthony’s midfielder Jules Lee hit into an empty net.

A stroll through the park for the northern visitors? Not quite.

On an uneven playing surface that made slick football difficult—if not impossible—Trinity took control and pegged the visitors back for much of the remainder of the first half. As much as anyone could claim control in a fixture that was never far from a shoving match.

Trinity essentially sought to get the ball into the final third of the field as quickly as possibly where the creativity and direct running style of captain Akil Modeste and attacker Sean Bonval caused problems initially. At the end of whatever Modeste and Bonval could muster was, hopefully, Trinity and Trinidad and Tobago national under-17 striker Dereem Daniel.

In the 14th minute, Daniel brought the host team level with a precise lunging finish from a low Modeste cross in the area. Daniel’s second item, 12 minutes later, was arguably the move of the match as he cushioned a lofted Modeste pass before hammering past St Anthony’s goalkeeper Carlton Alfonso to send his schoolmates into rapture.

“Why are we getting nervous?” asked St Anthony’s coach Nigel Grosvenor, from the sidelines. “Relax it fellahs. Relax allyuh selves…” Grosvenor sounded as if he was about to start an aromatherapy session. But it seemed to work.

In the 35th minute, St Anthony’s were level again as the pacy Darius Ollivierra found space in Trinity’s penalty area and lashed past John. And both teams were still on even footing when referee Keilon Bacchus blew for halftime.

Already, the physical side of the game was threatening to bubble over though. There were two cards in the first half and both went to St Anthony’s players Shakeem Patrick and Adriel Kerr although the Trinity boys were no saints themselves.

Photo: Trinity College East striker Dareem Daniel (left) holds off St Anthony's College right back Jared Flement (right) while the latter's teammate, Jules Lee, watches on. Daniel and Flement had a more explosive meeting later in the match. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Trinity College East striker Dereem Daniel (left) holds off St Anthony’s College right back Jared Flement (right) while the latter’s teammate, Jules Lee, watches on.
Daniel and Flement had a more explosive meeting later in the match.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Daniel, in particular, was fortunate not to be cautioned after he was the aggressor in a shoving match with St Anthony’s defender Nicholas Moyou.


Remarkably, as the game resumed, Trinity conceded straight after the touch for a second time.

On this occasion, defender Kendall Charles was the culprit as he deflected an Ollivera pass into the path of striker Kwesi Allen; and then fell over instead of challenging to regain possession. Allen did not pass up his gift as he banged home to regain the Tigers’ advantage.

There was another telling slip-up in the 66th minute, which might have been a bad omen. Patrick was muscled off the ball near the centre circle and responded with a trip on his assailant and Trinity substitute Thomas O’Neil.

Bacchus flashed yellow at the St Anthony’s player. But the referee failed to connect the dots.

“Ref that is his second card,” said Trinity coach Adrian Romain. “You have to be on top of things man!”

Bacchus checked his book, realised the error and sent Patrick off. Whether the foul merited a second booking in such a fiercely contested match and if the referee would have shown it if he knew the full implications was another story.

By then, the St Anthony’s defence had wised up to Daniel’s threat and, collectively, were smothering the striker and his supply chain. Sometimes, the Tigers did so by fair means; sometimes not.

And, despite a lively cameo from Trinity substitute Kristian Meloney, Trinity was caught in gridlock.

Then came another big decision for Bacchus. Ollivera lunged at Meloney from behind and took him down with a scissors motion in the 76th minute. It was the crudest challenge of the game. Bacchus reached for yellow rather than his red card.

Two minutes later, Ollivera rubbed salt in Trinity’s wounds as he spanked home his second goal and St Anthony’s fourth from a left side Kerr delivery. And as the game veered into stoppage time, Daniel, Trinity’s blunted focal point, let his frustration boil over.

Photo: Trinity College East striker Dareem Daniel (left) and St Anthony's College defender Nicholas Moyou (right) square off. Looking on is Trinity captain Akil Modeste. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Trinity College East striker Dereem Daniel (left) and St Anthony’s College defender Nicholas (Moyou (right) square off.
Looking on is Trinity captain Akil Modeste.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Bacchus had already whistled for a St Anthony’s foul on Daniel; but the young “Soca Warrior” took his own revenge with a cheeky clip at the side of Moyou’s head in full view of the referee. St Anthony’s right back Jared Flament raced in to confront Daniel only to be shoved in the face.

It was as if Daniel had not even heard of the concept of match officials or violent conduct.

When the dust settled from the inevitable skirmish, Bacchus showed red cards to Daniel and Flament; although the Tigers defender had not started the romp and, judging by the lump near his left eye, did not end it either.

Trincity will not be an easy ground for visitors this season. The St Anthony’s players will surely be glad to have that ticked that trip off their bucket list.

(Teams)

St Anthony’s College (4-2-3-1): 1.Carlton Alfonso (GK); 2.Jared Flament [Red card], 23.Mawasi Charles (captain), 15.Nicholas Moyou, 18.Simon Joseph; 6.Leon Whyle (12.Mattheus Granger 46), 8.Jules Lee (17.Raheem Borde 81); 11.Adriel Kerr, 9.Darius Ollivera (19.Isaiah McIntyre 81), 25.Shakeem Patrick [Red card]; 10.Kwesi Allen.

Unused substitutes: 22.Oba Augustin, 5.Keston Herrera, 3.Shaquille Sandy, 13.Shem Clauzel.

Coach: Nigel Grosvenor

 

Trinity College East (4-2-3-1): 22.Emmanuel John (GK); 3.Lloyd Pierre, 4.Josh Romain, 21.Kendall Charles, 6.Daniel Sandy; 15.Jade Commissiong, 8.Adrian Charles (2.Thomas O’Neil 52); 17.Deyshawn Edwards (7.Kristian Meloney 52), 10.Sean Bonval, 11.Akil Modeste (captain); 19.Dereem Daniel [Red card].

Unused substitutes: 1.Myron Mark, 14.Darnell Sookoo, 25.Kishion Hackshaw, 20.Atiba Lucas, 24.Nickel Orr.

Coach: Adrian Romain

 

Referee: Keilon Bacchus

 

SSFL Premier Division results

(Thu Sep 4)

St Anthony’s College 4 (Jules Lee 1, Darius Ollivierra 35, Kwesi Allen 46, 78), Trinity College East 2 (Dareem Daniel 14, 26) at Trincity;

*Red Cards: Dereem Daniel (Trinity); Shakeem Patrick, Jared Flement (both St Anthony’s);

Naparima College 2 (Shane Sandy 37, Akinola Gregory 77), San Juan North 1 (Jacey David 14)at San Juan;

Arima North 3 (Mitchell Mulick 1, Josiah George 25, Aftan Molino 32), Presentation (S/F’do) 1 (Levon Bass 62) at Guaracara Park;

Fatima College 2 (Dillon Abraham 14, Marquise Hoyte 83), Shiva Boys 1 (Quinn Rodney 28)at Guaracara Park;

*Red Cards: Kyle Sylvester (Shiva Boys); Marquise Hoyte (Fatima).

Carapichaima East 0, Chaguanas North 0, Carapichima.

(Wed Sep 3)

St Benedict’s College 2 (Mariba Des Cartes 31, Shaquille Williams 60), East Mucurapo Secondary 0 at Hasely Crawford;

St Mary’s College 3 (Chinua Bernard 4, Aaron Noel 15, Ethan Shim 59), St Augustine 0 at Hasely Crawford

 

Upcoming fixtures

(Sat Sep 6)

St Benedict’s vs St Anthony’s, 3.45 pm, La Romaine;

Carapichaima East vs Trinity College East, 3.45 pm, Carapichaima;

Arima North vs East Mucurapo, 3.45 pm, Arima;

Shiva Boys HC vs Chaguanas North, 3.45 pm, Guaracara Park;

St Augustine vs Presentation (San F’do), 3.45 pm, St Augustine;

San Juan North vs Fatima College, 3.45 pm, San Juan;

Naparima College vs St Mary’s College, 3.45 pm, Lewis Street, San Fernando.

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About Lasana Liburd

Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.

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41 comments

  1. It is a real disgrace that the Secondary Schools Football League developed this new Premier Division/League and Queens Royal College isn’t in it… The group of individuals that conceptualised this new format really have no understanding or knowledge of QRC and it’s history in Schools football… I am sure they based this idea on results over the last few years within the league which is again really showcasing their total ignorance in this arena…

  2. Did not see the game but I predicted two years ago that if FIFA did not mandate their officials to take more stringent measures with regard to fouls the “beautiful game” will be beautiful no more. Examples of this was seen in the recently concluded world cup. If they stick to the rules, officials will be forced to “red card” many players resulting in games being completed with less than nine a side. What is this pulling of jersey and deliberate fouling SHIT all about? Play the game in the manner that it is intended and cut out the shit.

  3. Well done to my schoolmate then. I remember he was just about the smartest guy in our year (only man to pass literature). Don’t know where a lot of them are but i hope they doing as well as him. And well done tigers

  4. As Lasana say, I feel Peck must be counting all kinda matches against clubs, all-star sides etc. Also, we strictly talking bout de senior team. In 1976, T&T’s #1 goalkeeper was Kelvin Barclay. Even if Brow made his debut in 1976, he would have literally had to play every single international until his retirement in 1993, and I think in all those years we barely played 100 internationals.

  5. Tallman, the man say Brow playing since 1976!!!

  6. Sherwood, Angus is de most capped player. Tell Peck I say so. LOL.

  7. It is Angus officially. Many of Michael Maurice’s games might have been against club teams or in unsanctioned games as far as FIFA is concerned.
    Levi Garcia has the national coaches raving. He is apparently good enough for senior football right now. Dunno if ssfl should be his priority.
    In fact, a coach hopes to send him abroad. And that might be professional rather than school.
    Still, I would love to hear more about Dexter’s role there. I was a fan of his growing up too.

  8. Wow you would not believe that I spoke to that man this morning…we waiting until he gets Levi Garcia back from the U20s to do a sit down (both of them), he also corrected me that Michael Maurice is actually the most capped player for T&T – I was told it was Angus.

  9. Nice Tony. Anytime you get a shot at Dexter Francis at Shiva.
    Would love to hear about his scouting and/or development there because I’ve seen some really good talent come from that school over the last two or so years. 😉

  10. Appreciate that bro…would be good to hear who people would like to hear from and I’ll link them…as a fellow “journalist” I want to bring the info to the people! Lol!

  11. Btw Tony, I’m liking your videos. You should share them here. Right now, I have your interview with Stephen Hart on the Wired868 site. 😉

  12. Lol! You all are worries! Lasana Liburd ahhh “no comment” 🙂

  13. Anthony Sherwood, if half of your team is on the national under-20 squad that means most of your players are 18 or 19. They are trainee teachers or what?! 🙂

  14. B, yuh tink Tony leave here to go THERE to not be a SUPPLIER… lol… Dat have south on lock….. he even have Angu talking proper in interview..lol

  15. Thanks for the update Anthony Sherwood. Yuh sure allyuh supplying the national team or the coach selecting he own players? Just saying….

  16. Ian R BriggsI know that was coming!!!!

  17. Brent Bennett Hard to say what Arima will be based on yesterday’s game, truth is they were not tested at all – they were leading 3-0 at the end of the first half…that said allot of the guys gave away the ball excessively under no pressure…but they got the win which is a good start…

  18. Lasana Liburd … …. I just playin de ass…. is Friday…. you are excellent at what you do bredda…is only one set ah set of waste ah time international on TV, and Anthony Sherwood done brakesn about he Pres side gettin 1 set ah licks from compre… ent Brent Bennett…. dat could make excuse…smh…

  19. Hahaa! We missing the “entire first team….” This is the price we pay for providing the national team with all dey players!!!!

  20. Anthony Sherwood ah know Arima beat Pres but was it a quality affair?

  21. Wait nah Briggsie… Tony wasn’t waving Pres flag just yesterday? Yuh dragging the flag Anthony Sherwood?! Hahaha

  22. Ian R Briggs this sounding like a chain-up, ah feel what yuh implying is that Lasana Liburd really should have been at CIC’s game instead…Big up the Saints 🙂

  23. It is easier to get colour or narrative from games with supporters who are really behind their team. That only happens with one or two adult teams in Trinidad.

  24. sounding and being is two different things (refer to comment about new reporting and match reporting).. 🙂

  25. That sound like “run forest, run!” 🙂

  26. Flair away meh boy….run..BE FREE!!!

  27. Ian R Briggs, Caleb was there so he can give a second hand account too.

  28. Interesting point Briggsie. And news reporting and match reports are two different things! Lol. I can put more flair in match reports.

  29. Oh and great recounts of games Lasana Liburd…. you writing is getting much better… 🙂

  30. St. Anthony use to TRY and be physical because they thought they have protection from from covine rd boys in diego… lol… they were really never a physical side… when they 1st started in Championship the rough sides were actually CIC and QRC in North zone ( Anthony Sherwood and that Pres crew and Tobago with Dwight and Hutchie ruled in size over EVERYBODY.lol)… Then Anil and Fatima came 1 year bulldoze the whole league with size..lol… but over the years St anthony’s stated getting bigger and stronger players (kenwayne etc) and the rest of school players started getting smaller and smaller (maybe because they were importing boys from tobago but that is another story 🙂 )…. when St. anthony’s was winning everything under the sun you would have been hard pressed to find sides that could match them physically….

  31. I didn’t think St Anthony’s was that physical in the past. Not that it is such a rough team now eh. But they are big and fast.

  32. And all praise and thanks are for Almighty God

  33. Yea ,muzzammil n.ali ,he attended st.anthony’s got the only scholarship, open since inception of that college in 1969, the year man landed on the moon.
    He is now Dr. Muzzammil n.Ali
    Go st.Anthony’s

  34. Eldo did not make this division… allyuh right where allyuh belong in the East zone…. LOL.

  35. Is El Dorado “Blue Thunder” in this? It’s Strange that i’m not seeing them in any Fixtures… or maybe I’m looking at the wrong one… My amazement is how St Mary’s trampled the green machine 3 nil… lol… that news made my day yesterday!!!!

  36. St. Anthony’s has always been a physical team since the days of Michael Mc Comie and Ricardo Aleong.

  37. You need stomach to challenge St Anthony’s physically. Those players look big enough to batter a few Pro League teams! Lol. (If I’m exaggerating, it is only slightly)

  38. Let’s go Arima! 3 reds? Discipline man jah!

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