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Pleasantville Secondary retained the Shell/First Citizens Bank Girls National Big 5 title in Plymouth today, after a 2-0 win over Signal Hill Secondary. For coach Joel Maloney and his charges, it is a pit stop on the way to their ultimate goal: a clean sweep of Secondary School Football League (SSFL) trophies.
Pleasantville and Signal Hill were both unbeaten at kick off. Prior to today, “P-ville” played seven times this season with as many victories and an incredulous tally of 99 goals for and one against, while Signal Hill had 80 goals for and one conceded from their 12 outings.
(Copyright Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)
Only the South Zone team got on the score sheet today, though, as Alexcia Ali and Chrissy Mitchell struck on either side of the interval to settle the affair.
Maloney said Signal Hill were easily the toughest opposition his team faced this season.
“It was a tough game because Signal Hill are a physical team and the chase and contest everything but our girls played well today,” said Maloney. “[…] Coming to play in Tobago is always difficult and I am glad to get the result. The girls showed real physical and mental strength.”
Maloney identified Signal Hill left winger Jelese Alexander and forward Celine Loraine as their main threats and adjusted to suit, with his own winger, Mitchell, switching flanks to do a defensive job on Alexander.
Pleasantville custodian Akyla Walcott was busier than usual as the home team had their moments. But, once again, P-ville prevailed in the end.
Last year, Pleasantville swept the National Big 5 crown as well as the South League and Intercol trophies before being stunned by Bishop Anstey High School (Port of Spain) in the National Intercol final. It was was the closest they had ever come to a perfect season.
In 2018, Maloney hopes to go one better.
(Copyright Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)
“The girls are really excited about the victory,” he said, “because our mission was to win the South Zone, retain the Big 5, retain the South Intercol and we are pushing for the National Intercol as well.
“[…] Once we play how the girls can play, I don’t think anyone can stop us. But you never know what can happen on the day.”
The 2018 Coca Cola Girls Intercol tournament kicks off on 11 November with Signal Hill returning to action to face zonal opposition in Tobago. Pleasantville are scheduled to play their first match at the South Zone semifinal stage on Thursday 15 November.
(Teams)
Pleasantville Secondary: 1.Akyla Walcott (GK), 4.Shackeme Buntin, 6.Shawnelle Rose, 7.Latifha Pascall (captain), 8.Jasandra Joseph, 9.Alexcia Ali, 10.Aaliyah Pascall, 11.Chrissy Mitchell, 12.Kayla Garcia, 14.Curissa Joseph, 18.Jhaney Simon.
Substitutes: 22.Jerica Braxton (GK), 2.Dalisha Brawthaite, 5.Corysa Joseph, 13.Amelia Thomas, 15.Ariel Stoute, 16.Celine Hypolite, 19.Kimberly Stewart.
Coach: Joel Maloney
Signal Hill Secondary: 1.Aaliyah Alvarez (GK), 2.Shenelle Osbourne, 4.Jelese Alexander, 5.Derisha Bristol, 9.Avonelle Loraine, 11.Celine Loraine, 13.Tyra Meyers, 15.Dilleasia Nicholson, 16.Dominique Scott, 17.Ashante Campbell (captain), 18.Twinkle Thomas.
Substitutes: 3.Mikaila Joseph, 8.Salatina Seales, 10.Gamelia Waldron, 12.J’nae Harris, 14.Gamie Waldron, 19.Ariel Adams, 20.Kristiana Gibbes.
Coach: Ray Mitchell
(Copyright Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)
Girls National Big 5 final
(Sunday 4 November)
Signal Hill 0, Pleasantville Secondary 2 (Alexcia Ali 40, Chrissy Mitchell 58) at Plymouth, Tobago.
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