Students kick-off to success

Since early December the Bahrain Private Schools Sports League (BPSSL) schools have been engaged in a soccer competition, writes Dave Horner, athletic director of Riffa Views International School.

The season consisted of a 10-week league format, followed by a one-day tournament. This system provided students with an opportunity to have 11-a-side league competition and seven-a-side tournament play, which culminated with the victors being presented with coveted trophies and medals provided by sponsors, GulfWeekly.

The Bahrain Private Schools Sports League is committed to providing the young athletes of Bahrain competitive opportunities to showcase their talents and with the help of the kingdom’s leading community newspaper have their exploits highlighted.

Intermediate Girls
THE BPSSL Girls Intermediate (Under 15) League was competitive throughout, with eventual champions Ibn Khuldoon National School ending undefeated.

Their highlights of the season were victories against St. Christopher’s and The British School of Bahrain, both by wide margins. The only blemish on their record was a 3-3 draw against The Bahrain School.

Tournament
The Girls Intermediate Tournament was hosted by The British School of Bahrain at the nearby Batelco Club facilities. The Bahrain School had a comfortable 3-0 win over Ibn Khuldoon in a thrilling finale to the tournament. This result was somewhat of a surprise as The Bahrain School had only finished third during league competition.

Intermediate Boys
THE BPSSL Boys Intermediate (Under 15) League saw a runaway win for St Christopher’s School as they went undefeated to the title. Ibn Khuldoon National School finished in second place, some six points adrift. Highlights of the season were St Christopher’s one goal victories against Modern Knowledge and The British School of Bahrain, followed closely by a rollercoaster game between The Bahrain School and Riffa Views which ended 7-4.

Tournament
In tournament play there was a reversal of fortunes for Ibn Khuldoon National School, as they came away with the silverware. After a season of improvement this was a very big win for the team. The tournament was hosted by Bahrain Bayan School.

Junior Boys
THE BPSSL Junior (Under 13) Boys League provided many excellent matches, surprises and upsets. The eventual winners were St Christopher’s School, but they were pushed all the way by Ibn Khuldoon National School and Modern Knowledge Schools.

Highlights of the season included 4-4 draws between St Christopher’s v Ibn Khuldoon and Riffa Views v Ibn Khuldoon, and a 2-1 victory for The British School of Bahrain over Modern Knowledge Schools.

Tournament
There were three or four teams that thought they were in with a chance based on the shorter game length and schedule of the event, hosted by Bahrain Bayan School. St Christopher’s were probably the favourites, having wrapped up the league, however, it was not be, as an inspired performance from the Modern Knowledge Team saw the trophy head their way.

Junior Girls
THE BPSSL Junior (Under 13) Girls League was a two-horse race, coming down to a decider between Ibn Khuldoon National School and St Christopher’s School. In the end it turned out to be a stroll for the St Chris girls, who came out 7-2 victors and walked away with the silverware.

Tournament
Eight teams took part in the Junior Girls Tournament staged at St Christopher’s School’s Saar site. After the pool games St Christopher’s and IKNS met in the final. After 10 minutes of play and extra-time both teams were tied at 2 -2.

The game eventually went to penalties with IKNS emerging as the winners. The games were all played in good spirit and all players enjoyed a great afternoon of football.

Senior Girls
The BPSSL Senior (under 19) Girls League was won convincingly by St Christopher’s School, the team played all five of their games, only conceding one goal and dominating their opposition. They had blow-out wins in every game and were clearly a level above the rest of the competition.

Tournament
The Senior Girls Tournament was hosted by The Bahrain School and saw a continuation of the dominance shown by St Christopher’s girls’ team. They completed the league and cup double and were the only team to do this during the season.

Senior Boys
The BPSSL Senior (under 19) Boys League was won by St Christopher’s School, the team overcame a loss to The Bahrain School to secure victories in their remaining five games to win the championship. That particular loss in a 4-3 thriller and 2-1 wins over Modern Knowledge Schools and Bahrain Bayan School highlighted their season.

Tournament
The tournament was hosted by The Bahrain School, and saw an underdog take the title. Modern Knowledge School had finished fourth after the league campaign, but were worthy winners of the tournament, going undefeated throughout.