DEFENDING South Zone champions Naparima scored in injury time to defeat arch-rivals Princes Town 1-0 at Skinner Park, San Fernando yesterday.
And, Presentation (San Fernando) and newcomers Vessigny Composite battled to a dismal goalless draw in the opening match of the double-header programme in the BWIA Secondary Schools Football League.
Naps, reigning League and Intercol champions, had to wait until the second minute of injury time to secure three vital points against Princes Town.
The goal was scored by Brenton de Leon, who made contact with the ball from a left-side corner. His effort got a deflection before flying past goalkeeper Marlon Sylvester.
The first half was a drab affair with three chances going abegging for both sides.
Atiba Mc Knight of Naparima had the first real scoring chance of the game in the 25th minute but 'keeper Sylvester, who had a solid game, narrowed the angle to block his shot.
Ten minutes later the same player had his effort again blocked by Sylvester.
Princes Town's midfielder Andre Charles saw his free kick from 25 metres out narrowly missing the crossbar by inches in the 73th minute. Only midway through the second half both teams showed glimpses of the form which saw them dominate last season.
Anthony Noreiga of Princes Town had a left foot blast flash wide of the near post and Mc Knight and de Leon had further missed chances. In the meantime, Sylvester and defender Ryan Christopher deserved credit for some vital clearances.
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