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PORT-OF-SPAIN Education District ran away with the major championship honours in the 2007 Atlantic LNG National Primary Schools Football League competition, winning both the Boys and Girls titles in a double-header at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on Thursday.

Carenage Boys Government Primary School scored an easy 2-0 victory over Whim RC of Tobago in the boys final, while Patna River Estate Government took the girls’ crown with a convincing 3-0 victory over Dinsley/Trincity Government.

It is the first time that one district has captured both divisions in the primary schools football league.

Kevin Lewis kept up his stellar striking form of the season for Carenage Boys, with a goal in each half of the match, ensuring his team recaptured the national title after losing out in the final last year. Carenage were champions in 2005.

Lewis, who scored 14 goals during the competition, said he was proud of the part he played in his team’s victory, adding that his dream is to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the highest level in the future.

Coach and teacher, Harold Telesford, credited the school’s triumph to teamwork and excellent preparation during the season.

Star striker and vice-captain Quinel Joseph notched a hat-trick as the girls from Patna River Estate copped their first national title in primary schools football.

Joseph, who scored a total of 15 goals during the competition, put the Patna team 2-0 ahead at half-time, and completed her hattrick in the second half, with Dinsley/Trincity scoring a consolation goal through Chantal Emmanuel.

An elated Joseph was thrilled about her performance in the national finals and to bring glory to her school. “I am very happy that I could score three goals in the biggest game of the competition and help my school win the title,” she said.

Teacher and coach Roderick Yearwood, of Patna River Estate, said hard work and discipline paid off for his team. “We have a well balanced squad and put together “A” and “B” teams for a two-fold purpose.

We were able to pick the best team for the 2007 competition and groom players for the future as well. I am really proud of the girls. They played their hearts out,” said a satisfied Yearwood.

He also paid tribute to assistant coach Robert Peterkin and Kelvin Nancoo, who was brought in to beef up the coaching staff after Patna had taken the Port-of-Spain District title. Not surprisingly, Kevin Lewis of Carenage Boys and Quinel Joseph of Patna River Estate were crowned MVPs of the Boys and Girls Divisions, respectively.

Heidi Bason, team leader, corporate communications, Atlantic LNG, said at the closing ceremony that the company was committed to supporting the league and to help develop the footballing talent at the primary school level.

Victor Hunte, secretary of the league, thanked the company for its corporate support in ensuring the league grows from strength to strength. “This competition presents a wonderful opportunity for the future stars of football to showcase their talent,” he added.

The league is run in conjunction with the Ministry of Sport and the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago.