It’s Yes-JPP!

The triumphant SJPP footballers, supporters and coaching staff celebrating their victory over Alexandra. (Picture by Kenmore Bynoe.)

By Renaldo Gilkes | Fri, January 13, 2012 - 12:05 AM

Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP) are the champions of the Barbados Secondary School Football League Seniors Competition for the first time.

The team from the Pine exhibited their seniority to come from a goal down to defeat Alexandra School 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time in the final at the National Stadium yesterday.

SJPP triumphed in front of a sizable crowd which included Alexandra Principal Jeff Broomes and Barbados Football Association general secretary David Hinds.

Alexandra, backed by their boisterous supporters, opened the scoring in the 18th minute through front man Armande Griffith.

The tournament’s leading scorer pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area and drilled a shot into the roof of the net from six yards, past a motionless Mario Alleyne in goal.

SJPP wasted some golden opportunities to equalize in the first half, with Michael Spooner and Renako Moseley being the prime culprits.

With the title seemingly heading to Speightstown, SJPP pulled one last trick out the hat.

Substitute Kyle Trotman brought a change of style to the game and played a delightful pass into the path of Stefan Cumberbatch.

He showed great strength and composure to hold off his markers and slot neatly past the approaching goalkeeper Sean Field to level the scores 1-1 in the 63rd minute.

SJPP reigned supreme as 2012 champions in the subsequent shoot-out, thanks to a moment of brilliance by Alleyne – who saved the first spot kick from Alexandra’s Eric Field – and a collective effort by their penalty takers, who all converted their attempts.