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THE hotshots of St Christopher’s Seniors’ have done it yet again, clinching the coveted GulfWeekly Premiership Trophy for a second consecutive season.
School principal Ed Goodwin may have to invest in a new trophy cabinet as his goal-den students brought home another piece of silverware.
The girls are celebrating a fantastic 12-months of footballing success having secured four trophies to their name.
They returned triumphantly from a seven-a-side U19 tournament in Dubai with the Unity Cup, won the Bahrain Private League as well as the Ibn Khuldoon National School Tournament and now the Arsenal Soccer School Bahrain Ladies League.
The undefeated sharp-shooting aces ended the league with a total of 35 points, five ahead of league runners-up Joga Bonito.
They went toe-to-toe with Bahrain’s Bonitos on Monday evening at Janabiya Soccer City in a final clash by hitting them for six, literally, with a 6-3 score line, Rebecca Shorrock notched a hat-trick, Sophie Appleton hit a brace and Nichanan Kesonpat rubbed salt into their opponent’s wounds.
Captain Jen Gilbert said: “The past three weeks have been especially hard for us due to our exams and injuries. We’re overwhelmed to be champions for the second time in a row representing St Christopher’s.
“I’m also particularly proud of the squad as this will be our last time together for me and the goal scorers before we all head off to university. It’s been a great year. Well done to the girls, we ended it in style!”
In the other fixtures, Arsenal Dial Square defeated the U16 Bahrain National team 3-1, Woolwich Arsenal walloped Royal Arsenal 6-1 and RCSI snuffed out Eastern Flames 3-1.
Deena Rahman, Arsenal Soccer School Bahrain’s senior coach, said: “It has been another great season. The eight teams have seen a lot of improvement this season and I’d like to give a special thanks to all of them for taking part.
“St Christopher’s obviously showed their strength throughout. From our point of view, this season has showcased the growth of the ladies football programme in Bahrain. It’s also very encouraging to see Royal Arsenal progress as they were playing against older opposition.
“Well done to all – RCSI, Eastern Flames, Joga Bonito, Arsenal Dial Square, Woolwich Arsenal, Royal Arsenal and St Christopher’s Seniors’.”
The teams will now be participating in an end-of-season cup competition. However, the champions have had to withdraw because of examination commitments as they concentrate on grades instead of goals for winning university places.
A presentation night will be staged on May 28 at Soccer City In Janabiya.
l The final fixtures in the Bahrain Expat League were played on Monday as the sides now set their sights on cup and plate glory.
The top four teams will compete for the coveted GulfWeekly Cup tonight. League champions Olympique De Bahrain and runners-up Brit Club 1664 are in the draw but as GulfWeekly went to press the third and fourth league placings were still to be decided.
