THE Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) edged past arch-rivals Berbice High School in a tensed final of the inaugural Patrick ‘Patto’ April Under-17 Football Tournament at the Scott’s School ground in New Amsterdam last Thursday. BEI scored a 3-2 victory on penalties after the game ended 0-0 at full time. BHS were hot favourites after romping home to an emphatic 7-0 victory over Canje Secondary School in the first semi-final.
In that encounter, national player Mark Wrong netted thrice, Kerron McKenzie netted twice while Jeremy Samuels and Shemroy Hetemeyer scored a goal each.
BEI, on the other hand, had a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the New Amsterdam Multilateral School (NAMS) in the second semi-final. Gary Solomon and Troy Munroe netted for BEI while Godfrey Coward scored for NAMS.
In the third place playoff, NAMS trounced CSS 4-0, Jamal Butts scored 2 goals, Akeem Bollers one, and a defence error ensured that CSS left the competition empty-handed.
At the conclusion of the tournament, trophies were presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd-placed teams along with individual awards.
Omarie Benthum of BEI was adjudged best goalkeeper, Denny Hermon also of BEI was adjudged best defender while Mark Wrong of BHS copped the prizes for best midfielder and for scoring the most goals (7) in the tournament.
The Patrick April Memorial U-17 Tournament was organised by Neil ‘Grizzly’ Humphrey in collaboration with the Hearts of Oak Masters Football Club of N/A and sanctioned by the Berbice Football Association (BFA) and the Region 6 Department of Education.
Patrick ‘Patto’ April was a footballer and a rural constable in the Town of New Amsterdam for many years. (Michael Khan)