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Match Report - 3rd Jan 2009 |
The day finally arrived that many young football players in Jamaica had been waiting for: the 4th annual Jonathan Hibbert Football Tournament. As we drive up to Munro on the 3rd of January from Santa Cruz the weather was perfect for a good day of football. The tournament started at 10 am with an opening prayer and welcome from Sean Stewart and Ms Norma Hibbert.
This year’s tournament hosted seven teams:
• Munro College, Steths and Lacovia from St. Elizabeth,
• Belair and Decartret from Manchester,
• Westmoreland All Stars and Portland All Stars.
Belair was voted the best-dressed team.
Almost 200 players were on hand ready to play their hearts out to try book a place to join the other 32 players that have received scholarships from the previous three tournaments. All of which have gone on to do well both on and off the field. The tournament has grown over the years, with more sponsors, more media coverage, players and supporters. It was really good to see that many of the past players who have benefited from the tournament travelled back to Jamaica to give back and lend a hand.
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The first game got under way at 10:15 a.m. between Belair and Decartret; both schools are from the parish of Manchester. The players were a little nervous at first because of the American coaches watching and because the tournament was being televised. But after the first few minutes of playing everyone calmed down and the game continued smoothly. The game was played in 15 minute halves to allow each player ample time to showcase their talents.
There was a lot of excitement; the game was very physical from the start as both teams from the same parish competed to prove who was the best. As the day went on and each team took the field the quality of each game got more intense. One of the most memorable games was between Lacovia and Munro College two rival teams from the St Elizabeth parish. Lacovia has recently joined the ranks of the elite teams for high school football in the parish. The Dacosta Cup is the main high school football competition for all schools in Jamaica. Usually Steths and Munro have dominated in the competition having always advanced out of the parish group stage, but in 2008 Lacovia made it all the way to the semi finals before losing to St. James High. It was none stop action from both ends of the field between Munro and Lacovia.
This game on paper should have been a high scoring game because of the caliber of players on each team, but it was more of a defensive game. The game ended in a one / one tie. The highlight of the game and probably the whole tournament was a goal from Chavez Channa; it was an unbelievable shot from outside the 18-yard box that brought the spectators to their feet.
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Each team played two games and the top two teams at the end of the day played to see who would walk away with The Jonathan Hibbert Memorial Championship Trophy. Lacovia and Steths made it through to the finals. Lacovia was a first timer in the finals in the 4 years since this tournament started, but Steths had made their 3rd appearance in the finals, winning one and losing the other to Black River in penalty kicks last yr.
Before the finals started, we all knew that this game was going to be a grudge match because most of the players from each team play for the same club team. As the first whistle blew and the finals got on the way, the players did not disappoint the crowd or the coaches watching. It was exciting, physical, great passes, great communication, and each player played as if it was their last game on earth. We were all hoping that this game didn’t go to penalty kicks, because the previous three tournaments winners were all decided by penalties.
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There is this saying in the world of sports that goes like this “defence wins championship.” It was proven on this day that the saying is true. Both teams defence stood up well to each offense had to offer. Because of sturdy defence for the fourth year in a row, this year’s winner would also be determined by penalties after a nil/nil score in regulation and overtime. After flipping a coin to see which team would kick first, Lacovia won the toss and elected to go first. Lacovia took the first shot and missed, Steths went after and scored, but do not count Lacovia out as yet. They made their next three in a row and ended up winning the shootout and was crowned champion of the tournament.
The coaches were astonished by the amount of talent that they saw, so they wanted to get another look at a few of the players at the tournament. So they selected almost 40 players to come out on Monday at 3 p.m. at Steths, The 4th annual Jonathan Hibbert Tournament was a success!
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We would like to take this time to thank: all visiting coaches, all the local players, coaches and spectators, CVM, TVJ, Waterloo Guest House, Real Value Super Market, Tropical Blue, Black River Ice, Nembhard’s gas Station, RJR, Klass, and Vibes Fm for their wonderful support. Once again thanks and hope to see you all next year.
By Copeland Lewis
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