Leacock’s highlight reel moment capped off a stunning comeback victory for the 2009 champions, who joined their vanquished opponents, Whim Anglican, as two-time champions of the knockout tournament after prevailing in a thrilling contest by a 5-3 scoreline.
Friday’s game, which was the feature match at the opening ceremony of the Tobago Primary School Football League, was the highest scoring final in the tournament’s five seasons.
Prior to Friday, 23 boys teams and 14 girls teams participated in a non-competitive parade. Retired school teacher, Mr Irwin Des Vignes, who coordinated the League for 14 years, received an award in recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the development of football in Tobago.
Des Vignes, who also led Scarborough Secondary to several titles over the years accepted his award from Department of Education Sport Officers, Kenneth Crooks and Javon Carrington.
Whim AC raced to a quick 2-0 lead in the first half. Gereeb Louis converted a penalty in the first minute, after Omarley James was fouled. Louis then scored his second, and fifth of the tournament, from a direct free-kick outside of the penalty area in the 12th minute. However Emmanuel Cox responded one minute later to put Bon Accord back into the match.
The John Boyce coached team proceeded to dominate exchanges for the rest of the half but Whim held on for the 2-1 halftime lead. Bon Accord attacked relentlessly and were rewarded five minutes upon the resumption, when Kjorn John finished off a superb Brian Williams cross.
Whim reclaimed the lead when Louis was fouled after a dazzling run past three defenders. James made no mistake from the spot, and notched his eight goal of the tournament to move into a tie for the Golden Boot lead.
However Javon Williams reclaimed the Golden Boot lead for good with a glancing header two minutes later, finishing off another dangerous corner-kick from Williams.
Williams goal was his ninth of the tournament but more importantly tied the game at 3-3, thus setting the stage for a stunning climax to the match. Williams whipped across another dangerous free-kick in the 54th minute, which was cleared into the path of Leacock.
Result & Awards
Whim Anglican 3 (Gereeb Louis (2), Emmanuel Cox) vs Bon Accord Government 5 (Omarley James, Kjorn John, Javon Williams, Josh Leacock, Jabarry Francis).
HONOUR ROLL
Champions: Bon Accord Government
1st Runner-Up: Whim Anglican
Semi-Finalists: Montgomery Government, Signal Hill Government
Player of the Match: Brian Williams (Bon Accord)
Best Goalkeeper: Jorandel Reid (Bon Accord)
Top Goalscorer: Golden Ball Javon Williams (Bon Accord 9 goals)
Silver Ball: Omarley James (Whim 8 goals)
Bronze Ball: Jabarry Francis (Bon Accord) Akeil Holford (Buccoo) Gereeb Louis (Whim) 5 goals
Most Valuable Player
Golden Ball: Javon Williams (Bon Accord)
Silver Ball: Gereeb Louis (Whim)
Bronze Ball: Omarley James (Whim)
Guest of Honour - Irwin Des Vignes
Sports Teacher Awards
Milton Eastman - Bon Accord
Francis Coutain - Montgomery
Seldon Tobias - Signal Hill
Christine Benoit - Whim