Benjamin, Hackett fire defending champs to semi-finals

A double from Ryan Hackett and a Kelsey Benjamin strike was enough for defending Champions Chase Academy to advance to the semi-finals of the Petra Organisation, Milo School’s Football Tournament, following their 3 – 0 win over North Georgetown Secondary today.

Playing at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue, South Ruimveldt Secondary, Queens College and Lodge Secondary also chalked up impressive wins to book their spot in Wednesday’s semi-finals at the same venue.

Based on their current form and compared to the level of play by the other teams, pundits believe that Chase Academy seems set to repeat as champions.

Hackett scored in the 16^th and 48^th minute, while Benjamin netted in the 62^nd minute to seal the one-sided win for Chase Academy.

In the opening game, Cecil Jackman found the net twice (23^rd and 35^th minute) while Leon Charles’ goal in the 47^th minute secured South Ruimveldt’s 3 – 0 win over Christ Church Secondary.

The Lodge Secondary/Dolphin Secondary game had to be decided by penalty after the two schools ended regulation and extra time leveled 1 – 1.

Leon Richardson had given Dolphin Secondary the lead in the 13^th minute, but Shemar Dover (52^nd minute) equalised for Lodge Secondary, forcing the game into penalty.

Dolphin Secondary was miserable from the penalty spot as Lodge Secondary’s players kept their composure to earn a 3 – 0 win for their school.

By far the most entertaining game of the day, Bishops’ High School fell short on 4 – 2 on penalty against rivals Queens College.

There was much hype surrounding the game, given the rich history the two share both on and off the football field.

It was Queens College who got the go-ahead in the 23^rd minute, thanks to Stephon King, but Bishops’ High School pulled one back when Tyrese Souvenir fired home in the 43^rd minute.

However, the Bishops’ High players could not have kept their equanimity and fell short in the penalty shootout.

On Wednesday, from 15:00 hours, Chase Academy will play South Ruimveldt, while Lodge Secondary is down to face Queens College at 17:00 hours.

The finals is set for Saturday March 19.