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Fri, Mar

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Leading by example: Primary schools MVP, Bon Accord Government captain Jabarry Francis, far side, takes the attack to these Whim Primary School defenders. Two Francis goals led Bon Accord to a 2-1 extra-tima win in the final of the Atlantic National Primary School final yesterday at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet. —Photo: Ian PrescottJabari Francis still has some growing to do, but maybe, just maybe, he might be the next big thing in football coming out of Tobago.

It has been some time since Dwight Yorke, as a lanky teenager with a toothy grim and irresistible, silky skills, burst into the national spotlight and led Signal Hill Senior Comprehensive to secondary schools glory.

Dwight Yorke was "death" for Trinidad-based schools.

And momentous times with the national team and English and UEFA Champions League winners Manchester United followed for Yorke, whose football-playing career climaxed when he captained Trinidad and Tobago as the smallest national team ever to qualify for the FIFA Men's World Cup at Germany 2006.

Yorke also has the distinction of being the first Tobagonian to be inducted into the First Citizens Foundation Hall of Fame. Plenty accomplishments for a little boy from Tobago.

Bon Accord captain Francis, a self confessed Manchester United fan, is not yet a household name, but at primary school level, he is a champion.

Tobago knows him, and at Bon Accord Primary his name is sweeter than Tobago bene ball at the moment. Two goals by the 2012 primary schools boy's MVP, crowned Bon Accord as 2012 Atlantic Primary Schools Big 16 champions yesterday.

Francis' double saw Bon Accord defeat Whim Primary School 2-1 in a thrilling and keenly-contested final which went to extra-time.

Francis gave Bon Accord the lead in the 26th minute and also got the winner two minutes from the end of second half extra-time. But having finished runners-up to Bon Accord in Tobago twice, Whim never gave up. They actually missed a penalty, Omarley Jones having his spot kicked saved by Bon Accord goalkeeper K'Juan John. But just as the regulation period was coming to an end, Whim roared back to level at 1-1 via Gerreb Louis' free-kick.

Fittingly, the final was played at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, named after Tobago's greatest footballer. "Bago" was proud either way it went, since two teams from the sister isle were in the final. And it was also in fact the first time two teams from the same zone had met in the final.

Like Francis, Yorke also went to Bon Accord Primary. And school coach John Boyce was this year named top coach of the season after successfully leading Bon accord to three finals victories.

Boyce preaches teamwork, but with every cup of tea, the crème rises to the top. Francis was tops in the final at which both Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Orville London and Sport Minister Anil Roberts were present.

" I always believe he has what it takes, not just to be a national player, but to play professionally,"Boyce declared of young Jabarry. "He has a great ability to play. He just has to get the right nurturing."

Francis looked a touch of class, his quick feet and surprisingly powerful shot for one his age standing out.

His first goal was a gem, coming in the 26th minute when he went on a solo run, and finished with a shot through the keeper's legs.

For his second, Francis waltzed through the penalty area and shot with his weaker left foot to find the far corner. Francis just took control of the game. He was everywhere.

It is rare that a first stopper gets the MVP award, but Francis stood out. He took the spot kicks, corners, throws, set up the chances moving forward to the middle, and also scored the winning goals himself.

It looked business as usual when Bon Accord led 1-0 at the half--they having twice beaten Whim already this season.

But, Whim's Omarley James had other ideas. He too is the school star, and wanted everyone to know it. James had three good chances to be the day's hero. First, he had a penalty which Bon Accord keeper John stopped. Still, Whim managed to pulled level in the 84th through Louis' superb free-kick, which flew off the keeper's fingertips before hitting the top of the net.

Extra time and Bon Accord looked in trouble. Like the Store Bay tide sometimes, things suddenly became rough. James had two further chances to put Whim ahead but lacked the power to beat the Bon Accord keeper John each time.

Then, Francis began playing again. And when Francis starts playing, Bon Accord start playing.

He put two shots on goal, one bringing out a superb flying tip from the Whim keeper Joshua James. And finally, Francis did what he threatened to do all afternoon: win the match.

An intriguing final, and maybe a glimpse into the future it was.

Who is to say that Francis will not be the next Dwight Yorke.? Or maybe, it could be Omarley James, or one of the yet-to-blossom stars who will emerge from this all-inclusive Tobago final.

Minister of Sports Roberts fitting described yesterday's final as worth postponing the construction work which was due to start three days ago at the stadium.