Prep School clinches Under-13 football tourney

Successes on the football field seem to follow indefatigable coach Ian Sardine everywhere he goes.
Sardine, in his first stint as teacher at the Kingstown Preparatory School, guided that institution to the 2004 Ju-C Primary Schools Football Competition title. {{more}}
The founding father of many football clubs, Sardine brought his many years of experience to bear on a raw school team.
Played in front of their doorsteps last Monday, at the Grammar School Playing Field, Kingstown Preparatory eked a 1-0 win over the much-fancied Layou Government School.
Prep’s goal came in the third minute of extra-time from the boot of Garrick Garnes.
Against the run of play, Garnes, who also scored the lone goal in his team’s semifinal, pounced on a loose ball and let his trademark left foot do the rest.
This was a bitter pill for the number of supporters who journeyed from that Central Leeward town to give their youngsters vocal support. Among them were Cultural Ambassador Alston “Becket” Cyrus and Portuguese-based professional footballer Wesley “Brisco” John.
These supporters had much to shout about as the lads from Layou displayed some exceptional ball skills. But the Prep School defence held stoutly as they had done throughout the competition.
With Casey De Freitas between the uprights, Prep School did not concede a goal in the duration of the championship.
Not even Layou’s captain and prolific goal scorer Myron “Left Eye” Samuel could have broken that. Samuel earned the Most Goal Award with a tally of 24. This included two beaver tricks and four hat tricks.
The goal scoring belonged solely to the 11-year-old Grade 6 student, Garnes.
Only a few months ago did he begin taking football seriously. Garnes had maternal support throughout.
His mother, Patricia, has been a tower of strength to him, attending all the matches.
The younger Garnes expressed feeling “real good” following his latest achievement.
He has Spanish striker Raul as his football idol. Like his mentor, Garnes sports the number seven jersey.
Whilst Garnes was the toast of his school, Akeeno Hazelwood of Layou Government, walked away with Most Valuable Player of the final award.
Thirty-six schools, divided into eight groups, participated in the competition, which was organised by the Sports Division in the Ministry of Education.