‘Shark’ Huggins and `Banga’ Lashley ensure Multi win Linden leg
GOALS netted by Clarence ‘Shark’ Huggins and Trenton ‘Banga’ Lashley were enough to push Wismar/Christianburg Secondary (Multi) past New Silvercity Secondary (NSS) when the two teams clashed in the Upper Demerara Schools leg of the Digicel Schools’ Football Championship which was played off at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on Tuesday afternoon.
The Multi boys scored twice in the final causing them to edge past their opponents and advance to the next round where they will play a team from Region 9, to advance to the quarterfinals of the nationwide Digicel-sponsored schools’ tournament.
Playing on the MSC turf which was just that heavy for the youngsters, Multi’s ‘Shark’ Huggins started the scoring for his side in the 43rd minute to break the deadlock of a competitive game.
The ‘Shark’ gained a spot kick from just about 18 yards out after he was brought down from a challenge and the resultant shot from the middle was blasted to the back of the net for a 1-0 Wismar/Christianburg Secondary advantage.
Then in the 56th minute ‘Banga’ Lashley netted, as the lurking striker pounced on a ball which eluded the grasp of the NSS goalkeeper following a shot from about 20 yards out, during one of their forays to the NSS goal.
However, Julius Smith reduced that 2-0 lead for his NSS team from a swirling shot which cannoned into the crossbar and was hit goalwards by a teammate. Smith involuntarily back-heeled the ball into the nets in the 65th minute but that was not enough as ‘Multi’ emerged winners by a 2-1 scoreline.
To reach the final Wismar/Chrsistianburg Secondary pipped Kwakwani Secondary on penalties 4-2, after the game ended 1-1 while New Silvercity Secondary also prevailed by a similar 4-2 margin on penalties when they drew in open play against Wisburg Secondary 0-0.
Digicel’s Purchasing and Logistics Officer,  Azaam Alli, handed over the trophy and medals. to the winning team as well as a complete set of uniforms which the winners will use in their next phase of this tournament.
.Alli spoke of Digicel’s continued support for the sport of football and what they expected from this tournament as he acknowledged the sterling performance of the teams which contested the final.
Among those who witnessed the final were Physical Education Officer in Region 10 (Upper Demerara /Berbice). Lindsley Langhorne and People’s National Congress/ Reform Member of Parliament Ms Vanessa Kissoon.