Nail-biter as VP win challenge

Bay school team secure soccer victory after second-half comeback

VICTORIA Park High were crowned champions in their own backyard after they clinched the Powerade VP Soccer Challenge title against Lawson Brown at the weekend. In a nail-biting clash at the Dave Weinronk fields on Sunday, VP clinched the U19 boys’ title after a 2-1 comeback victory.

VP coach Ralton Leander said it was a proud moment bringing the trophy home for the first time since 2011.

“I am really proud of the boys. We picked up our performances in the final two matches and ended off the group stages well,” he said.

Grouped with All Academy (Durban), Dale and Vulumzi, VP showed their intent from the start, claiming seven of a possible nine points in the group stages.

VP conceded their first goal of the tournament in the final against Lawson Brown, and Leander said the team’s second-half performance won it for them.

VP players Thabo Mbem and Cuwen Prince were named the top goal-scorer and goalkeeper of the tournament.

Bethelsdorp claimed third position, while the Bowl final went the way of All Academy from Durban. Sanctor took the Plate final.

In the U16 tournament, Chapman took the honours after victory over Bethelsdorp in their final.

Both teams eased through the group stages, topping their logs.

Chapman won the final 4-0 in only their second year in the competition.

“I think we had more of a challenge in the semifinals against VP, whom we beat 2-0,” coach Roy Mitchell said.

“My boys are quite young, so I’m proud for them to have put on a display like that.”

VP’s Tyrique Julius walked away with the top-goal-scorer award, while Dominic Marinus was named U16 player of the tournament.

The Bowl final went to Arcadia, while the Plate final was clinched by Lawson Brown.

In the girls’ U19 tournament, Bethelsdorp took the honours after a terrific struggle against Alexander Road.

The final ended in a scoreline of 1-1, sending the match into a penalty shootout.

Bethelsdorp then held their nerve under pressure to win 4-3. Playing in their first VP tournament, Alex were unbeaten in the round-robin stages, defeating Linkside (2-0), Sanctor (3-1), VP (1-0) and Hudson Park (1-0).

In the semifinals, they beat Bloemfontein team Brebner 2-1.

Alex’s Amber Botha netted four times and was named the girls’ player of the tournament.

Picture: EUGENE COETZEE ON THE CHASE: Lawson Brown’s Kamva Goje, left, and Robyn Davids, of Victoria Park, battle for possession in the U19 final of the soccer tournament at the weekend

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