For almost a decade St Mary's ICSE, Mazgaon enjoyed playing among the city's top schools in the U-16 first division. However, last year's dismal performance saw them relegated to Division II much to their dismay.

Academics was sighted as the reason for the debacle as most of their senior players seemed more inclined towards their books. The team had no option but to hang their heads and accept relegation.

This year though, they are keen to claw their way into the top league. And after a 2-0 win over St Paul's Dadar in their first outing, yesterday's 1-1 draw against St Joseph's, Colaba has ensured they are on the right path. Nishit Shetty's last-minute goal cancelled Roshan Singh's 10th minute opener and helped St Mary's get the all-important draw. Nishit was also part of last year's Division I team.

"Our aim is to get back to Division I at all costs. And for that we will give it our all," said the 14-year-old.

Results
U-16-III: B'bay Scottish A (Powai) 1 (C Pinto) bt Our Lady of Remedy 0; Lilavatibai Podar 9 (K Pinto 3, K Pinto 2, Anik B, Y Goray, Adib B, A Rangwala) bt Dr Antonio D'Silva 1 (S Chainani); Holy Name 5 (S More 3, H Golar, M Tandel) bt Robert Money 0; U-16-I: Dominic Savio 1 (Ovrille D'Souza 1) bt St Francis D'Assisi 0; Don Bosco (Matunga) 3 (C Nazareth, R Dang, Dylan F) bt St Anne's 1 (S Aranjo)