Lannaman’s Prep and Quest Prep met in the final of the JISA Henriques Cup, on Friday November 29th in what was expected to be a close and exciting affair and neither team disappointed the fair sized crowd that turned up to watch.
Lannaman’s Prep and Quest Prep met in the final of the JISA Henriques Cup, on Friday November 29th in what was expected to be a close and exciting affair and neither team disappointed the fair sized crowd that turned up to watch.
Playing in overcast conditions with a slight cooling breeze both teams put on a good show in a keen and engaging contest.
The diminutive and trick winger Jahiem Rose of Quest Prep was the first to get off a shot in the game, firing just wide of the near post in the fifth minute. Shortly after, his captain Michael Allen hit a free kick from distance which went straight to Davion Williams in goal.
Allen found himself face to face with Williams again shortly after that when he had a break away. The quick actions Williams to close the space and cut the angle forced Allen to try a chip which went agonizingly wide to the despair of the Quest supporters.
Midway the half, Kevin Johnson benefited from a fortuitous bounce in the middle of the park and put his laces through the ball which whizzed past the left post as Lannaman’s made their presence felt in the game.
Few other opportunities were created for the rest of the half as both midfields cancelled each other out. Just before half time a Daquan Henry free kick went wide of the right post and on the stroke of half time Jhadai Williams hit a free kick straight to his name sake Davion Williams.
The half time score of 0-0 was a fair representation of the game up to that point.
The second half was an even tighter contest as the players gave each other little or no room to operate in, to develop their usual passing game. There were even less chances created in the second half.
Lannaman’s thought they would break the deadlock when Janoi Williams got ahead of the defence but he was quickly closed down and the presence of the defender resulted in a scuffed effort that was easily handled by the goalkeeper.
Lannaman’s produced a late surge in search of the winner, with Janoi Williams doing a lot of work up front. Despite their efforts, they were unable to find the clincher as Quest defended stoutly to the final whistle.
The final whistle heralded extra time which failed to produce a goal and led to the inevitable penalty kicks.
Davion Williams, who has not let in a goal in open play this season, proved to be the hero for Lannaman’s as he produced two brilliant saves to deny Andre Burgess and Tushawn Lawson to help his team to a 3-1 shootout win and reclaim the title they lost last year after winning it the three previous years.
Jhadai Williams was the only one to score for Quest from the spot, while Timar Dunn, Jhanoi Wiliams and Duquan Henry were all successful for the champions.
Winning coach Nigel Webb, “…was not pleased with the quality of the game as neither team was able to get into their passing game. However, winning a championship as a coach is a good feeling. Both teams were determined and worked hard till the end.
“Reclaiming the title after giving it up last year is really good for us and an improvement since we came third in both competitions last year.”
Losing coach, Errol White was gracious in defeat. “Lannaman’s are always formidable opponents. It is never a good way to lose a title (on penalty kicks). Hats off to Lannaman’s, they held their nerves and put away the ball.
Last year, we were nowhere near here, so getting to the final is an achievement in itself. We will just have to turn our attention to the defence of our title (Alberga Cup) now.
Photo: Goalkeeper Davion Williams makes title winning save as he dives to push the ball away for Lannaman’s to claim 4th KO crown in 5 years.
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