THEY served the main course first as St Mary's College edged out St Anthony's College, last year's North Zone champions, 3-2 in an entertaining match at CIC Ground, Serpentine Road, St Clair, before a large and enthusiastic crowd yesterday. The encounter was first match in the Zone of the BWIA Secondary Schools Football League.
A cloudburst two hours before the start of play caused the ground to be muddy but, the home team played an enterprising, quick passing game that was remarkably accurate.
They dominated the first half and it was no surprise when, from a long throw in, which was back headed into the visitors' goal-mouth, Scott Sealy notched a beautiful goal in the 30th minute.
He dropped to the ground and hit a right foot volley that gave Germain, in goal for the West Moorings team, no chance.
The brilliant passing of St Mary's befuddled the visitors and constant pressure saw a second eight minutes later as James Odogwa slipped the first of his double into the right hand corner of the goal.
Second half started as the first ended with the home team running the visitors off their legs and getting a third and Odogwa's double.
Hayden Martin, St Mary's coach, believes a combination of complacency and a change of tactics by the St Anthony's team, caught his boys on the hop and pressure on the goal led to a penalty as goalkeeper, Johann Marin, tackled dangerously.
It was converted by Marcus Chinsam and shortly after, the continued pressure saw a shot by Abiola Clarence deflected past the despairing Marin, making the score 3-2 with nine minutes to play. The home team picked up its game and the score remained unchanged after seven minutes extra time.
Score: St Mary's College 3 (Scott Sealy(1), James Odogwa (2) v St Anthony's College 2 James Chinsam and Abiola Clarence.
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