The Pro School League: Final report

Shardul was a standout performer for the Baldwin Lions throughout the competition

November 16th, 2014: The TISB Trojans lifted the maiden Pro School League trophy after convincingly outclassing their opponents over a two month period leaving their compatriots behind by a healthy 3 point margin. The Trojans looked the most formidable outfit throughout the league season as they finished their debut showing remaining undefeated.

One of the key matches of the final Game week saw the TISB Trojans take on the Parikrama Fighters, both of whom were striving for the first position. Early domination from the Parikrama Fighters was seen off by the Trojans whose clever tactical re-arrangement by Coach Tarun Biswas ensured that their counter-attacking approach got the better of the twinkle footed lads from Parikrama Foundation.

The Jain Monks who were the final Game week hosts finished their campaign at 4th after their pulsating draw against the Baldwin Lions. The Lions and the Monks went head-to-head in the final game of the maiden edition of the Pro School League, both vying for the coveted 2nd position.

And it was the Lions that prevailed salvaging a late draw against the Jain Monks who dropped to 4th as they lost their 2-0 lead. The incredible fightback led by Moin’s midfield mastery inspired the Lions to take two points off the home side and clinch the runner’s up position.

Parikrama Fighters’ first game week loss to the Lions proved decisive as they ended up at the 3rd spot despite being one of the forerunners for the top billing. They however have plenty of positives to take away from this tournament, the most noteworthy one being the performance of midfield ace Appu. On the contrary, Greenwood United’s blazing start to their campaign eventually fizzled out following four consecutive losses owing to the absence of several key players due to suspensions or other commitments.

The BGS Blizzards found some rhythm in the final game week having failed to impress early on in the league season. But they still found themselves languishing at the bottom of the table having failed to collect a point off six games. The improved performances in the final phase of the Pro School League will definitely serve as an encouraging sign in preparation for the next season.

The final game of week 3 also saw Federation for Collegiate and School Sports of India member Louis Nickson grace the occasion. The former Indian international was the honorary chief guest of the final presentation ceremony that saw Individual awards and the PSL trophy awarded. The ceremony concluded with some words from the chief guest himself about the expected growth of the Pro School League in the future and its importance to grass root development.

The Final table

The debut season of the Pro School League has left its participants wanting more and with a barrage of participation requests already pouring in from other school teams across the city, the PSL is set to revolutionalise the way school football is perceived in Bengaluru City.