Photo: Trudy Hardy, Chairperson JISA Sports and Winston Keyes Chairman JISA Football Committee hand over the Henriques Cup trophy to Mona Prep captain Duncan McKenzie after his school successfully defended their title against Lannamans Prep on Saurday at the UWI Mona Bowl.
Defending champions Mona Prep school, retained the JISA/Tastee Henriques Cup on Saturday when they clipped former champions Lannamans Prep 1-0 in the knock out final at the UWI Mona Bowl, courtesy of a late strike from Jared McDonald.
The game got off to a fairly even start as both teams tried to settle into a rhythm before Mona took control of the game midway the half. Ravaughn Rainford hit the upright with a shot in the 14th minute and captain Duncan McKenzie followed up to bury the rebound, but that was after the whistle had already gone for offside.
A long ball into the area was missed by Anthony Bennett and Nando Meggs failed to capitalize, heading the ball just wide of the target.
Mona continued to pile on the pressure and came close to breaking the deadlock when McKenzie released Meggs down the left who crossed for McDonald in the centre, but Bennett pulled off a brilliant save, tipping the ball onto the crossbar and it bounced over for a corner kick.
Two minutes later, McDonald fired straight at Bennett with the entire goal at his mercy. Lannamans was living a charmed life as they found it difficult to get out of their own half.
Another Mona chance was missed shortly after when Meggs shot high, on the half volley, from just above the penalty spot.
Xavier Codling in the Mona goal, made his first save two minutes before the interval as Lannamans finally got going on offense.
Mona had the last chance of the half when a slip by Nicolloyd Notice let in Meggs but he dragged his effort wide of the far post as Bennett advanced.
Mona picked up where they left off in the second half and the dominant McKenzie passed to a wide open Meggs who watched in despair as his effort was tipped around the post by Bennett for a corner.
Lannamans fought their way into the game as Kevaughn Wilson and Dajon Johnson finally got a foothold in the match making it a much more even second half. But they failed to create many goal scoring opportunities as Codling continued to have an easy afternoon in goal.
The minutes were ticking away and a shot from the weaker right foot of McKenzie brought the best out of Bennett, as he showed why he is regarded as the best shot stopper in the league.
Just when it seemed the game would be heading to extra time, Meggs delivered the perfect cross from the left side, which was met with a powerful and well placed header by McDonald and the ball flew into the back of the net, with a minute left on the clock.
It was no more than Mona deserved after a dominant display despite the best efforts of a spirited Lannamans team.
In the third place playoff, Quest defeated Hydel 3-2 on penalties as goalkeeper Malik Bogle came up with 3 splendid penalty saves to hand his team the bronze medal place.
The teams will continue their pursuit for silverware as quarter final action continues in the Alberga Cup.
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