Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Kerri-Ann McKenzie (second left, front row), brand manager of sponsors Malta presents the ISSA/Malta All Island school girls football trophy to winning team Lennon High. Lennon defeated St Hugh's High 7-6 on penalties to lift their first title. - Junior Dowie

Lennon High defeated favourites St Hugh's High 7-6 in a tense penalty shoot-out, to lift the ISSA/Malta All Island school girls football crown at the Harbour View Mini Stadium yesterday.

After a 1-1 tie after both normal and extra time the dramatic win saw the Clarendon school create history as the first rural team to lift the title. In normal time Lennon had taken the lead courtesy of an 11th minute Samantha Hanson's 20-yard free kick, which went low into the right hand corner of the net.

Another set piece would see St Hugh's pull on level terms after a powerfully struck free kick from Junielle Watkins came off the upright before being headed into the back of the net by Christina Burgess.

"They got a little nervous during the penalty shoot-out but our keeper came up big for us and we were able to hold on," said Lennon coach Merron Gordon.

"This is a final and everyone knows anything can, happen, we worked hard for it all season so there is no reason to think we wouldn't able to win." he said.

Simone Honeygan, Sasha Lee Cooper, Chevel Lopez, Camielle Hill, Kemeisha Cato, Shawna Gay Gordon and Tanya Desport scored from the spot for Lennon while Nugene Nuggent, Akeema Williamson, Juneille Watkins, Lutiesha Shelton, Shana Kay Durrant and Christina Burgess hit the back of the net for St Hugh's.