Westridge 6th champ of Gavin Manuel Memorial Legacy Cup; Manyano High inaugural girls’ champ

BY CEDRIC FEBRUARY

The 6th edition of the Gavin Manuel Memorial School’s Legacy Cup also delivered a sixth new champion in Westridge High.

The Mitchells Plain based school beat their rivals Beacon Hill by 2-0 in a tightly contested under-16 final for boys.

After five energy-sapping matches through the group phases, these two teams met in warm, but blustery conditions at Rocklands High Sports Fields on Tuesday afternoon.

Prior, Westridge beat Mondale 2-1 and Beacon Hill knocked out Rocklands 3-2 in their respective semi-finals to progress to the final.

Beacon Hill was fast out of the blocks and put their opposition under immediate pressure when Westridge’s goalkeeper was peppered wit long-range shots, but the shot-stopper dealt with it comfortably.

Westridge gradually grabbed the initiative to end the first half strongly but the teams remained deadlocked at half-time.

Both teams approached the second half with greater urgency and vigour. However, tired legs were noticeable and concentration wavered which allowed Cayden Witbooi to break the deadlock shortly after the resumption of the second half.

The game then became a bit scrappy which then allowed Derick de Klerk to pounce and double Westridge’s advantage to 2-0 when he scored from close range.

By then Beacon Hill had already succumbed to their fate while Westridge squandered a few chances to increase their lead.

Meanwhile Manyano High School became the inaugural girls’ under-18 champions after beating Rocklands High 2-0 to announce their arrival in this prestigious school’s competition.