St Anthony's College "Tigers" added the Coca Cola North Zone InterCol title to their trophy cupboard after clawing their way to a 1-0 victory over St Mary's College yesterday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Vice-captain Rayshard Allen lived up to his responsibility, curling home a free kick in the 85th minute when all the usual suspects failed to find the net.
Before that, kicks from the penalty mark loomed after both teams failed to take their chances.
It was not a one-sided affair. But the momentum swung this way and that for 90 minutes, before Allen struck the deadly blow to render the spot-kick shootout unnecessary.
Before that, the "Saints" of St Mary's gave them a run for their money, although St Anthony's produced the better chances. Getting those chances on target, though, and getting them past Raheem Belgrave, the St Mary's custodian, proved the challenge.
But by halfway, it was clear that one goal would decide the match. Shots became misses or saves, and it felt like a bit of luck would be needed in a match between these keen rivals.
Given all the action that followed kick-off, there should have been a goal in the first half. There almost was one in the first 15 seconds, but Andel Francois sought to pass in goal-scoring position, and Thulani George missed up close, also in the first minute.
Coach Nigel Grovesnor may have been frustrated to see his team go in at the break 0-0, especially after Keane McIvor hit over from close range to end the first half.
The Hasely Crawford playing surface got a drenching during half-time, and the slick passing and ball possession seemed to go away after that.
Still, St Anthony's half-time substitute Jean-Paul Aqui-Blanc missed a point blank header in the 55th, and four minutes later, the St Mary's defence denied McIvor before Belgrave blanked Savion Kirton, and then striker Adrian Millette from close-in.
A 50-50 penalty shout for a foul on Ballah in the 62nd also came before the action swung the other way.
St Anthony's goalkeeper Jamaal Francois had to be alert to save from Joel Superville on the wet grass, and CIC captain Kyle Beggs whipped in a dangerous cross that was only just held by the Tigers' goalie.
Francois (A) and Aqui-Blanc both came up empty on their next tries, and penalties loomed once Beggs and Superville had fluffed their own lines minutes later.
But a silly push on McIvor on top of the semi-circle in the 85th put Allen within free-kick range just outside the penalty area, and he stepped up calmly, almost daring Belgrave to fend his effort away from the left vee.
For the first time in the match, the custodian was second best, and coach Nigel Grovesnor and the '"Tigers" bench sprang to their feet in jubilation.
And after seeing out the final five minutes, it was time to celebrate.
The Tigers' 2010 unbeaten streak is still intact, and their spot in the National InterCol semi-finals is sure.
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