Manning’s vs Munro clash highlights d’Cup round-of-16 kick-off

Manning’s School and Munro College, two of the more exciting teams in the ISSA daCosta Cup football competition, are set to meet in the second game of a double-header at Llandilo Sports Complex as round-of-16 action kicks off this afternoon. The teams have had improved seasons after both endured disappointment in the last campaign which was interrupted by Hurricane Melissa. Manning’s School, one of two teams to win all four second-round games, hope to carry over the momentum, but face a Munro College team that is also going into the game with a head of steam. While the teams both scored 10 goals in their five games, Munro College were beaten by Frome Technical, blotting their record in the daCosta Cup. Munro, however, rebounded to beat Irwin High 2-1 at home on Tuesday. Munro’s Kajaye Williams, formerly of Manning’s, finds himself under the microscope, especially having led his current team in scoring so far. Jarvis Meylor has replaced Williams as the leader of the Manning’s team, and the effectiveness of both players could decide the outcome of the contest. Defending champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), who qualified as a best third-placed team, are scheduled to take on red-hot Glenmuir High in a repeat of last season’s final. Frome Technical will be home to Garvey Maceo High, and giant-killers Denbigh High are pitted against Dinthill Technical. Clarendon College were also perfect throughout the second round but should not be complacent versus Lacovia High who were the first to secure their place in the round of 16. Lacovia are back at this stage of the competition for the first time in over 10 years. They face a Clarendon College team that is coming off back-to-back Ben Francis Cup finals. St Elizabeth Technical’s defence of the title has not been smooth and could get even rockier when they take on Glenmuir, who have not conceded a goal in 11 games — they went six straight on their way to winning the Ben Francis Cup. STETHS conceded seven goals in the second round and now face the most prolific offence in the competition, led by Orel Miller who scored six times in the 9-0 win over Ferncourt High last week. Westmoreland-based Frome Technical have benefitted from playing tough games in the first round, and despite losing against Maggotty High on Tuesday, must not be counted out, especially virtually playing at home. After failing to meet their target last season, Frome have risen to the occasion every time they have been asked. They defeated Rusea’s High in the first round and then scored impressive wins over Munro College and St Elizabeth Technical just days apart.

In terms of rankings, Garvey Maceo could be lowest seeded team left in the competition but are not to be overlooked. In other matches, Ocho Rios High will welcome Cornwall College to Drax Hall; Manchester High tackle Kemps Hill High in Mandeville; Denbigh High take on Dinthill Technical at Wembley Centre of Excellence; and McGrath High and Central High clash at Dinthill Technical. SATURDAY’S GAMES •Frome vs Garvey Maceo @ Llandilo (1:15 pm) •Manning’s vs Munro @ Llandilo (3:15 pm) •Ocho Rios vs Cornwall @ Drax Hall •Manchester vs Kemps Hill @ Manchester •Glenmuir vs STETHS @ Glenmuir •Clarendon vs Lacovia @ Clarendon •Denbigh vs Dinthill @ Wembley •McGrath vs Central @ Dinthill (All games to start 3:00 pm unless otherwise stated)