This past Saturday marked the culmination of five months of exhilarating youth football as the 2009/2010 CUC Primary Football League came to a dramatic close with the crowning of four champions.

In the Under-9 Consolation Cup final, Truth For Youth retained their title they won last year and kept their unbeaten streak alive with a 3-0 victory over a spirited and youthful Cayman International School.

Two goals on either side of half time from Kareem Foster and a third by Nicholas Chung were enough to put the game out of reach.

In the U-9 Champions Cup third place encounter between Red Bay Primary and John A. Cumber Primary, Red Bay Primary were determined to end their season on a high and take home some silverware.

Throughout the playoffs, the boys in maroon always seemed to score first but were prone to surrendering their lead in the dying minutes of key games.

Determined not to let history repeat itself, a goal by Kamani Ebanks settled this matchup much to the delight of the Red Bay army of supporters who hailed their conquering heroes.

Coach Anthony Chin was even caught on camera “swimming” on the turf following the final whistle.

In the U-9 Champions Cup final, St. Ignatius Prep ended their remarkable, undefeated season with a 2-0 victory over an enthusiastic Prospect Primary on penalties following a stalemate through regulation and extra time.

Luca Polloni sealed the win as he coolly slotted home the winning penalty past the outstretched arms of makeshift goalkeeper Gonzalo McLaughlin after Prospect Primary squandered their first two penalties.

The marvellous game befitted the true spirit of the CUC Primary Football League.

The U-11 Consolation Cup final was the day’s only one-sided encounter as George Town Primary, who seemed unstoppable on the day, thrashing Truth For Youth 7-1.

Truth For Youth’s confidence was shattered in the very early stages of the match as they lost their starting goalkeeper to a hand injury.

Taking full advantage, George Town Primary’s Dante Henry secured his hat-trick while D’Andre Rowe and Zachary Ebanks each netted two-a-piece. Desmond Bartlett got one back for the Sky Blues but the damage had been done.

The third place game in the U-11 Champions Cup between Triple C and Prospect Primary proved yet again why this league is so exciting.

 Prospect Primary raced into a three goal lead thanks to Gonzalo McLaughlin, Eric Greene and Ajani Harris.

It seemed Triple C, who endured a torrid run of form in the playoffs, could not conjure up an answer but something finally clicked for the Crusaders and two quick goals from Isaiah ‘Leo’ Ebanks had Prospect Primary reeling.

Fortunately for the fading Prospect players, the final whistle saved their blushes and the third place title was theirs.

The day’s finale – the U-11 Champions Cup final – pitted George Town’s best, St. Ignatius Prep, against the best from the west, John A. Cumber Primary.

Throughout the years, scenes from this particular matchup have been etched in the memories of supporters who have followed the beautiful game.

The two teams have built-up a distinct derby-day atmosphere whenever they meet and this encounter would be no different.

Fair, tough tackling, great dribbling, pinpoint passing, a few fancy plays here and there only added to the excitement.

Both goalkeepers were excellent as they repeatedly repelled attempts at their goals throughout regulation time and into extra time.

It seemed as this final would follow that of the U-9 Champions Cup final and be decided on penalties.

St. Ignatius’ Brandon ‘Emile Heskey’ O’Connor had other ideas as the predominantly left-footed defender-turned-forward ended John A. Cumber’s dreams by slotting home two goals in the second half of extra time.

St. Ignatius had done it. They were back on the winner’s podium and had defeated their old rivals.

Organiser Neil Murray said: “Congratulations to all the teams. Special thanks also to all the coaches, team volunteers, parents and supporters who kept their teams’ spirits going in victory and defeat.

“Thanks to sponsors Le Bleu, Progressive Distributors and Watler & Hislop, who all contributed greatly to the success of the 2009/2010 season.

“A special thank you to Gary Whittaker, Dwayne Ebanks, Livingston Bailey and Eddie Solomon who officiated games throughout the season and Playoffs, and to Lanicia McLaughlin from Cayman Rehab Services, for providing medical assistance throughout the playoffs.

“Special thanks also to Ronnie Roach and Harcourt Wason from the Ministry of Education Services, who continually ensure that Primary School sports in general is the best that it can be.”