Tivoli end drought with Walker Cup win
TIVOLI Gardens High School claimed their fifth hold on the ISSA/Digicel Walker Cup knockout trophy after an exciting 6-5 penalty kick victory over Haile Selassie at Sabina Park on Friday.
The game went straight to penalties after the match ended 1-1 at full time.
Captain Daniel Watson was on target for Tivoli in the 35th minute in regular play, while Joshua Dewar netted for Haile Selassie in the 51st minute.
From the 12-yard spot Jaheim Dorman, Charleston Williams, Omario Rowe, Shane McIntosh, Ryan-Oniel Francis and Daeshawn Tate were the scorers for Tivoli. Daniel Watson missed for the victors.
Sue-Dre Hepburn, Jahwan Payne, Kyle Williams, Devaugne Tennant and Jahni Lawrence were perfect for Haile Selassie, while Jarraine Selvyn and Tyrecce Francis were not that efficient.
It was Tivoli’s first schoolboy football title since 2005, when they also won the Walker Cup title.
Christopher Nicholas, head coach of Tivoli, was very delighted with his team’s performance.
“I am very happy…words can’t explain how I am feeling,” gushed Nicholas.
Linval Dixon, coach of Haile Selassie, said he is proud of his team’s performance despite the defeat.
“I am disappointed, but this is my first season as the head coach and we went to the Walker Cup final so I am proud of my boys,” said the former Jamaica captain.
Tivoli dominated the early exchanges and were finally rewarded when Watson arrived between two Haile Selassie defenders to head home past goalkeeper Kevin Hibbert.
However, Haile Selassie came out looking the better team in the second half and found the equaliser when Joshua Dewar dribbled around two opposing defenders inside the 18-yard area to fire home past custodian Shakur Adair.