Intercol 23: “Pres” dethrone 10-man St Benedict’s, thanks to Barclay winner

A first half item from Presentation College (San Fernando) attacker Adah Barclay settled the South Zone Intercol final at the Mahaica Sporting Complex yesterday, as the “Pres Lions” edged St Benedict’s College 1-0.

St Benedict’s are the fourth 2022 zonal champion to be dethroned in this Intercol competition, with Central outfit Chaguanas North Secondary being the only team to successfully defend their title.

Last year, Fatima College and St Benedict’s were the two dominant schools with the former taking the National Intercol trophy while the latter were Premier Division Big 4 champs.

Fatima managed to secure the 2023 Premier Division title, but another institution will take the plaudits in the Intercol competition.

Yesterday, Presentation threw their own hat in the ring with an impressive result in Point Fortin.

There were 20 minutes on the clock when St Benedict’s forward Jaden Grant collected a loose ball while his team defended a Presentation set piece. In an unnatural position at left back, Grant let the ball run across him and tried to dribble clear—rather than hack it clear.

Presentation flanker Kaielle Elliott reacted quickly to nick possession and then cross, in a fluid sequence, and Barclay was there to flick home at the near post.

Barclay’s older brother, Aleem Barclay, was captain when Presentation won their last zonal title in 2019—en route to copping the National Intercol prize. And the San Fernando school must surely be banking on the Barclay connection providing rich returns on investment once again.

St Benedict’s head coach Randolph Boyce put pedal to the floor in the second half, as the “La Romaine Lions” tried to get the better of the stingiest defence in local school’s football.

Surely, it would help if Grant got on the ball around the Presentation penalty area, rather than his own. Right?

In the 81st minute, Benedict’s midfielder Josiah Ochoa played a lofted pass into the opposing box and Grant stuck out his right boot to flick past Presentation captain and goalkeeper Kanye Lazarus.

All square? Not even close.

Grant’s finish was good. However, his follow-through took his boot into Lazarus’ midsection.

Referee Timothy Derry, who must have a VAR monitor in his pants pocket, flashed a red card at Grant and awarded a free kick—rather than an equalising goal.

It was a big call. It is bound to be a controversial decision. But who could argue, with a straight face, that it was not dangerous play?

Trailing by a goal and now a player against Presentation’s solid defensive organisation, Benedict’s had no more cards left to play.

And Presentation coach Shawn Cooper will march on to the semifinal rounds, where they face Arima North Secondary from 4.15pm on Thursday 30 November at Mahaica.

Results

Central Intercol final

(Monday 20 November)

Chaguanas North Sec 1 (Nekayse Moore), Miracle Ministries PHS 0 at Edinburgh 500;

East Intercol final

(Tuesday 21 November)

San Juan North 0, Arima North Sec 0 at Larry Gomes Stadium;

*–Arima win 15-14 on kicks from the penalty mark

Tobago Intercol final

(Wednesday 22 November)

Speyside High 1 (Shyon George), Bishop’s High 0 at Dwight Yorke Stadium;

North Intercol final

(Thursday 23 November)

QRC 0, St Anthony’s College 0 at Hasely Crawford Stadium;

*–St Anthony’s won 4-3 on kicks from the penalty mark

South Intercol final

(Friday 24 November)

St Benedict’s College 0, Presentation (San F’do) 1 (Adah Barclay 21) at Mahaica Sporting Complex

Upcoming fixtures

National Intercol quarterfinal

(Tuesday 28 November)

St Anthony’s College v Chaguanas North Secondary, 4.15pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium

National Intercol semifinals

(Thursday 30 November)

Presentation College (San F’do) v Arima North Sec, 4.15pm, Mahaica Oval;

(Friday 1 December)

St Anthony’s/ Chaguanas v Speyside High, 4pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

National Intercol finals

(Thursday 7 December)

Finals, 5.30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium.

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