Granville defend Under-12 title

Granville Primary School claimed its second straight hold on the Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) Under-12 Football Competition title last Friday at the UDC field in Montego Bay, defeating John Rollins Success Primary School 3-0 on penalties.

It was the school’s sixth title overall.

Despite going into the finals as the overwhelming favourites, Granville found the going tough against the John Rollins defence, that held them to a 0-0 draw at the end of 60 minutes plus extra time.

The goalkeeper Ralick Peddie came up big for the defending champions in the shoot-out with three saves.

“Success came with a plan and then we had to try to get our guys to play composed. The spectators and parents kept shouting instructions at them. They got caught up in the game, playing with the spectators. I think the defence line was very good to keep the score at nil all. The goalkeeper came up big today, which I expected from him,” Linden Thomson said.

Thomson, who has led Granville to four titles in his nine years at the institution, said the win meant much to him and the programme they are building.

OUT OF TROUBLE

“Looking at the kids in Granville, we use football to combine and keep them out of trouble. We have a 10-and-under programme that is running for the past two years, which is a great grassroots programme,” he said.

He believes his players will go on to make their mark at the higher schoolboy football levels.

“Most of the Granville players are from the area and most of their parents are footballers, so we have very good talent here. I expect them to matriculate into the high school programme and go up to the highest level. The base is there from here at the grassroots level, which is the best way to go. As long as they remain focused, they will make the respective national teams,” Thomson said.

– K.A.