The West levelled the series in the Secondary Schools' Annual All-Star match winning a dramatic penalty shoot-out against their East counterparts at National Stadium last night.

Kwame Tucker emerged as one of many heroes scoring twice for the newly-crowned champions, assisted by Aljame Zuill.

However, it was the East's Omar Shakir of Saltus in his forward role who took the game to great heights through a pair of blinding solo efforts that rocked the crowd.

While his team would ultimately fail in their quest for victory he was a shining star who made a contest of what threatened to be a blow-out.

Two blazing efforts, including the equaliser in the final period of regulation, saved his side from danger, sending the game into extra time.

Early action saw both teams in a struggle to combat nerves in front of a sizeable crowd.

The East were the first to come to grips with the occasion and moved forward with positive attacks on the West goal, filled by Rohaan Simons.

Keith Jennings, of St. George's Secondary, and Saltus' John Best each placed shots agonisingly wide during early moments of dominance.

Twelve minutes passed before Kevin Smith moved into the thick of play, nodding goalward a header after the ball had bobbled about the penalty area following a left-wing corner.

Awestruck by early brushes with disaster, the West recaptured their turf in the latter stages and took control through fine play by midfielder Tokia Russell, a perfect compliment for Tucker.

Still there was no score as referee Esten Curtis sounded the whistle for half-time.

East coach Sam Nusum lamented the several wasted opportunities in the first half, saying at the break: "We had the upper hand and had our chances. They have to settle down.'' Nusum's men would come back to rue chances lost when Tucker booted his men into the lead in the 54th minute, firing home from 18 yards past 'keeper Danny Faria.

Twenty minutes later Tucker again played a hand, deftly dummying Alex DeCouto's centre, allowing Zuill to close in at the far post and apply the finishing touches.

This seemed to trigger the forlorn East, but most of all Shakir.

The first came from nowhere in the 79th minute, as he gained possession near the halfway line, produced a nifty move to get past his marker and slipped another before stroking the ball past substitute 'keeper Marcel Dill.

Showing versatility on the next strike, Shakir floated the ball over the head of Dill into the far corner from an angle on the left as referee Curtis prepared for the final whistle.

Extra time again saw the West surge, with Tucker claiming his second, capitalising on a perfect cross by Zuill from a mere yard in front of goal.

Substitute Harry Hunt supplied a carbon copy of the Shakir goal sending another screaming into goal, making the scoreline 3-3 and beckoning penalties which nevertheless, proved fateful.

Primary Game East 1, West 1 (East win 3-2 on penalties) There was plenty of excitement to go around during the curtain-raiser featuring the Primary Schools All-Stars, but it was the East arising from the dust signalling triumph.

Hays Wolffe took an early liking to the opposition defence to spur the East to an early lead after 10 minutes.

This dominance pervaded the first half, executing coach Jonathan Edness' game plan.

Trouble, though, would follow after the interval as the West gained the upper hand aided by the wind at their backs.

Blaize Burgess ended regulation time with heroics, netting an equaliser for the West with scant seconds left on the clock.

However, fine saves by the East goalkeeper would be the deciding factor as penalties took place, allowing for victory.

KWAME TUCKER -- On target twice for the West last night at National Stadium.

Looking on at right is Aljame Zuill who was the West's other dangerman.