Clarendon, Glenmuir in Ben Francis Cup derby final

IT’S a case of “go hard or go home” for Clarendon College as they seek to defend their ISSA Ben Francis Cup title against major parish rivals Glenmuir High in the final set for STETHS Sports Complex in Santa Cruz, starting 4:00 pm. Expectations are it will take a big effort for either team to lift the title given that both enter the final in good form and can make legitimate claims. Clarendon College’s Devon Anderson will be seeking his second title in his second season coaching in Chapelton, while Ashanti Mullings will be seeking his first title as head coach of May Pen-based Glenmuir after taking the reins ahead of this campaign.

Ashanti Mullings, Glenmuir High football coach (Photo: Observer file)

Clarendon and Glenmuir have combined for 12 Ben Francis Cup titles. Clarendon are seeking their sixth hold, while Glenmuir, who won their seventh title in 2022, will become the school with the most Ben Francis Cup titles if they win this afternoon. St Elizabeth Technical and Cornwall College have also claimed seven titles. Clarendon College had to dig deep to get by an inspired Denbigh High in their semi-final last week, coming from behind in the penalty kicks to win 4-3 after they were held 0-0 in normal time. They have scored 11 times while conceding only once. Anderson told the Jamaica Observer on Friday his team endured an “off day” in the semi-final. “We made it hard for ourselves by not taking the many chance that we created. That was a tough day for us, we had an off day but the fact that we were still able to win, says a lot for the team,” he said. He said they expect an intense fight against their parish rivals. “Any team that gets to a final must be doing something good.

ANDERSON... we’re expecting a tough battle (Photo: Observer file

That is the only way you can get to a final, so we’re expecting a tough battle.” Justin Hayles has carried the Clarendon College team so far but he will be facing the toughest battle yet. Glenmuir have not conceded a goal in the seven games this season — five in the Ben Francis Cup and two in the daCosta Cup. Goalkeeper Justin Murray anchors the Glenmuir defence and will be expected to play a big role again. At the other end of the field, with the exception of being held 0-0 by Central High in the daCosta Cup on Wednesday, Glenmuir High have been on fire. They have scored 45 goals, including 36 in the Ben Francis Cup. Orel Miller, Jonathan Tomlinson and Samari Cousins have led the way for Glenmuir, and are expected to continue to spearhead the attack.