Tension Mounts as ABICE, Princess Margaret School Face Off in Patrick C Whyte U20 Finals

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Dr Colin Greene of PMS and Rowan ‘Porridge’ Benjamin of ABICE
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By Samuel Peters

The stage is set for a titanic clash in the Cool and Smooth Ministry of Sports Patrick C Whyte Under-20 Competition Finals as footballing powerhouses Princess Margaret School (PMS) and the Antigua & Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE) prepare to battle for supremacy at the Antigua Recreation Grounds on Friday.

Both teams have blazed impressive trails to the final. ABICE sent shockwaves through the competition with a devastating 5-0 demolition of defending champions Antigua State College in their semifinal. The explosive Karique Knight, son of renowned footballer Kabla, led the charge with a magnificent hat-trick, supported by goals from Deante Anthony and Jahmar Malone.

PMS, meanwhile, showcased their championship pedigree with a commanding 3-1 victory over All Saints Secondary School. Their attack has been nothing short of prolific this season, boasting the competition’s top two marksmen – Greg Williams leading the golden boot race with 13 goals, followed by teammate Howayne James with seven.

The talent on display extends beyond the scoring charts. PMS Principal Dr Colin Greene highlighted his team’s depth, pointing to players like Jonathan Shoy from Old Road FC and Zadia Forde from Willikies FC. “They understand what they represent – the legacy they carry,” Greene emphasized, noting PMS’s remarkable achievement of winning four out of five football championships last season.

ABICE’s coach Rowan ‘Porridge’ Benjamin, while maintaining a diplomatic distance from the PMS camp, expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation. The team draws inspiration from their 2022 championship victory, immortalized in a photograph outside their principal’s office, as they seek to add another chapter to their storied history.

Recent history favours PMS, who claimed a narrow 1-0 victory in the teams’ previous encounter this season. However, with ABICE’s Knight in devastating form and the likes of Malik Charles and Jelani Barzey ready to make their mark, the outcome is far from certain.

The ARG’s hallowed grounds, despite overnight showers, are reported to be in prime condition for what promises to be a spectacular showcase of youth football. Spectators are directed to enter through the War Memorial end, with tickets priced at $10.

As these institutions prepare to write another chapter in their storied rivalry, one question remains: Which team will etch their names into the annals of Antigua’s schoolboy football history?

Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 pm, with the third-place playoff between All Saints Secondary School and Antigua State College preceding the main event.

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