Intercol 23: Crovador steers St Anthony’s past Chaguanas and into semis

Like clockwork, St Anthony’s College recorded their second thumping win over Chaguanas North Secondary for the season, this time in a knockout affair, defeating the Central Zone champions 5-1 in the lone Coca Cola Intercol quarterfinal match.

The win secured St Anthony’s a place in the semifinal round against Tobago champions Speyside Secondary, whom the “Westmoorings Tigers”, head coach Ronald Daniel promised, are ever ready for.

The two teams will meet at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Friday, while South Zone champions Presentation College (San Fernando) meet East Zone winners Arima North Secondary at Mahaica Sporting Complex in Point Fortin on Thursday.

Today, St Anthony’s were out for blood, as they faced a team they whipped 10-1 during the Premier Division season. By halftime, the Tigers already had a comfortable 4-0 lead—thanks to an early brace from attacking midfielder Theo Crovador.

It took St Anthony’s 15 minutes to get on the scoresheet, although it seemed like an eternity. They controlled practically the entire match, with Chaguanas North’s best chances resulting from sloppy exchanges among the St Anthony’s defence.

Crovador, who was later named man of the match, scored a brace just moments apart. He first capitalised on an error from goalkeeper Necose Moore, as he pounced on a dropped ball.

Then he slotted home from close range in the 22nd minute, after St Anthony’s captain and midfield general Aalon Wilson-Wright nutmegged an opponent near the corner flag before picking out Crovador with a pinpoint pass.

Rondell Harewood was the protagonist for St Anthony’s third goal in the 32nd minute, as he charged into the opposing box and forced a save from Moore with a powerful shot. Forward Jean-Marc Thomas was on spot to slide in the rebound.

Flanker Andell Fraser virtually wrapped up the match from the penalty spot, after Crovador was brought down for a straightforward penalty decision.

The match lost momentum in the second half but not before Chaguanas North pulled a goal back in the 55th minute, as Lee Van David tapped home from close range to complete a smooth indirect freekick routine.

For insurance, though, St Anthony’s responded almost immediately with what looked like a “phantom goal” from a corner kick.

Thomas’ header ricocheted off both uprights before being hacked clear by Chaguanas defender Darius Bruce. Referee Caldwell Orr pointed to the centre circle, to signal a goal.

“But how the ball spin and cross the line?” Raymond barked at the assistant referee. “Yuh mad?”

St Anthony’s regained momentum late in the match and the final score could easily have resembled their last meeting.

“We were comfortable and [full of] confidence,” said St Anthony’s head coach Ronald Daniel. “The momentum was always there, so I’m satisfied with the performance.”

St Anthony’s edged Speyside High 2-1 on their last meeting. On this occasion, it will be the former team’s third match in eight days.

“Anyone who comes to play St Anthony’s College is usually at their best—but we are always prepared,” said Daniel. “[…] We’re fit and ready to go, as you can see.”

(Teams)

Chaguanas North (5-2-3): 1.Necose Moore (GK); 16.Shallun Paul (Jaheim Sollayman 29th), 9.Jamique Davis, 4.Lee Vann Davis, 6.Darius Bruce, 13.Zeddane Outar (11.Jeremiah Villafana 73); 8.Jakwan Benjamin (Zaiden James 29th), 5.Amari Kendall; 10.Justin Lewis, 17. Negatse Moore, 7.Nekayse Moore.

Unused substitutes:  2.Joshua Rojas, 3.Amari Johnson, 14.Kymani Miller, 15.Marcus Kim Lee, 21.Jarell Pilgrim.

Coach: Anson Raymond

St Anthony’s College (4-3-3): 22.Josiah Morris (GK); 18.Rondell Harewood, 13.Jeremy Bobb, 5.Russel Francois (4.Lemuel Hercules 83rd), 18.Daniel Rose; 10.Aalon Wilson-Wright (captain), 7.Theo Crovador (29.Kanye Glasgow 80th), 8.Amari Dunbar (26.Malik Addley 57th); 17.Andell Fraser (20.Jamarli Mootoo 80th), 14. Jean-Marc Thomas, 2.Ishmael Castang (23. Tyrell Voisin 57).

Unused substitutes: 30.Germany Jackson (GK), 3.Obadiah Eyeadelrosiyhia, 11.Joshua Miller, 16.Davoure Thomas, 21.Akeem Harewood, 24.Keemali Decaine,  28.Abdul John, 29.Terique Theobald.

Coach: Ronald Daniel

Referee: Caldwell Orr

National Intercol quarterfinal

(Tuesday 28 November)

St Anthony’s College 5 (Theo Crovador 14, 22, Jean-Marc Thomas 32, 58, Andell Fraser 40), Chaguanas North Secondary 1 (Lee Van David 55) at 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 College v Speyside High, 4pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

National Intercol finals

(Thursday 7 December)

Finals, 5.30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium.

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