Western Bureau:

In what was a brilliant, five-goal thriller, St George's College came from behind twice yesterday afternoon to beat St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) 3-2 in their first-leg Oliver Shield final at STETHS in Santa Cruz.

Showing guts and determination, the Neville 'Bertis' Bell-coached St George's team twice fell behind to STETHS as Denmark Gillings and Romero Thompson scored for the dacosta Cup champions.

However, the resolute Manning Cup kingpins secured victory through goals from Marvin Morgan, Oneil Reid and skipper Devon Williams.

"This team has been showing excellent composure all season and they showed it again today by coming from behind twice," said Bell.

"I would have preferred if they were the team going ahead but in the end, it is the final result that counts."

In a game chock-full of excitement and intrigue, STETHS had the better of the early exchanges and took the lead in the 10th minute, when Deshawn Brown beat two defenders along the goal line and crossed for Gillings, who stabbed the ball into the empty net, making the score 1-0.

The remainder of the half was loaded with excitement as the two teams attacked with alarming regularity, creating many anxious moments.

Superb pass

St George's pulled level in the 67th minute when the wily Morgan took a superb, defence-splitting pass on an angle and finished with a well-placed side-footer across goalkeeper Gregory McKogg, making the score 1-1.

With St George's threatening to take control, STETHS reclaimed the lead in the 75th minute. Thomas pounced on a well-taken corner by Gillings and directed a perfect header between a defender and the far post, making the score 2-1.

However, with Morgan turning on the thrills in midfield for St George's and each attack looking increasingly ominous, the 'Light Blues' pulled level for the second time in the 85th minute. Reid, benefiting from a pass to the right side of the penalty box, unleashed a spectacular kick that flew into the 'pigeon hole' and left the goalkeeper a mere spectator, making the score 2-2.

Snatching victory

With time running out in the game and St George's all-out in attack, they snatched victory in the 90th minute when Williams pounced on a rebound before the goal and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper, making the final score 3-2.

"We played well in patches today and I thought we should have won the game because we created enough chances," said STETHS's coach Andre Edwards.

He also credited St George's College for their composure and the way they dominated the second half, but noted that all hope is not lost.

"We will just have to go back to the drawing board and regroup for the secondleg game at Harbour View on Saturday."