Cayman Prep sets the standard

Cayman Prep are again setting the standard for primary school football as three of their four teams will be vying for a championship as the semi-finals of the 2024 CUC Primary Football League (PFL) and the Girls’ Primary Football League (GPFL) concluded this past Saturday, November 30.

Kicking off the day’s semi-finals were two GPFL Consolation Cup games as Island Primary defeated Joanna Clarke Primary 2-0 and Red Bay Primary squeezed by Cayman International School (CIS) GB 1-0 to seal their places in the final.

In the CUC GPFL Champions Cup, NorthEast Schools booked their first appearance in a girl’s final following a 1-0 win over Sir John A. Cumber Primary in an exciting penalty shootout (0-0 after regular time; 0-0 after extra time and 1-0 in the penalty shootout). NorthEast Schools will face Cayman Prep in Saturday’s final after the latter’s exhilarating 4-3 victory over defending Under 11 girl’s champions St. Ignatius Catholic.

Understandably ‘crushed’ by the penalty shootout loss to NorthEast Schools, Sir John A. Cumber Primary has a chance to redeem themselves as they face St. Ignatius Catholic in the third-place game.

In the CUC PFL Under 9 Consolation Cup semi-finals, Cayman Prep 9B beat Joanna Clarke Primary 4-0 and Marie Martin Primary downed Red Bay Primary 3-0 thanks to three well-taken goals in the 9th, 34th and 36th minutes off the boots of Jeremiah Cook.

In CUC PFL Under 9 Champions Cup play, Sir John A. Cumber Primary secured a spot in the final as the young West Bayers outlasted defending Under 9 champions Prospect Primary 1-0 thanks to a 21st minute strike from Yeudi Prado-Granados following some fabulous wing play by standout Marley Connor. In the second semi-final, CIS got past Island Primary 9A 4-2. Prospect Primary will face Island Primary 9A in the third-place game.

In the CUC PFL Under 11 Consolation Cup semi-finals, Marie Martin Primary sealed their place in the final with a convincing 4-0 win over NorthEast Schools and Island Primary downed Red Bay Primary 3-0 in the second semi-final.

In the CUC PFL Under 11 Champions Cup, which again attracted a large very enthusiastic and supportive crowd, the semi-finals featured the two top schools from each group with CIS and Sir John A. Cumber Primary representing Group A and eight-time defending Under 11 champions Cayman Prep 11A and Prospect Primary from Group B.

CIS faced Prospect Primary in the first sem-final. With the expected rains now intermittently drenching the artificial surface and the puddles beginning to form, the smooth run of play and intricate passing was often disrupted as players found the conditions difficult. Chances were few and far between but both goalkeepers were up to the task when called upon.

In the 15th minute, a Cam’ron Clarke taken corner for Prospect Primary resulted in the only goal of the game as the wet conditions caused the ball to skim off a CIS defender into the back of the net. With conditions slowly deteriorating and time running out, CIS threw everything forward but were unable to unlock the solid Prospect Primary defence. With the final whistle came elation for the Prospect Primary players and support and in contrast, tears and sadness for CIS. Prospect Primary were heading to final with the 1-0 victory.

In the second semi-final, Sir John A. Cumber Primary gave Cayman Prep 11A all they could handle but the defending champions overcame the stubborn and resilient West Bayers to secure a 2-0 victory and a ninth successive trip to the finals.

CIS will face Sir John A. Cumber Primary in the third-place game.

For fans of ‘the powerful game’, the finals and third-place games take place this coming Saturday, December 7 at the Annex Field starting at 8:30 a.m.

The CYFL thank Progressive Distributors and Gatorade for their ongoing support of the CUC PFL and GPFL. Thanks also to the many young volunteers who officiate the primary school football games throughout the year.

Visit www.caymanyouthfootball.ky  for the CUC PFL and GPFL playoff schedule and scores.