Kiss of joy! Charlie Smith High School's skipper, Marcelino Blackburn (centre), watched by his team-mates, kisses the Walker Cup KO trophy after defeating Kingston College 1-0 for their second lien on the trophy. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Charlie Smith High School yesterday crowned themselves 2002 Corporate Area Walker Cup Knock-Out champions following a close 1-0 victory over Kingston College in the final at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex.

In an intense final where both teams enjoyed periods of dominance and created a number of scoring opportunities, Charlie Smith secured their second hold on the 42 year-old trophy when Kimarley Campbell netted in the 38th minute to the delight of coach, Jerome Waite.

"We played well ... and really looked the better team ...," said Waite, who was at the helm in 1995 when Charlie Smith last lifted the title.
"KC played a fighting game and created good scoring chances, but ... my team had the better possession ... and in the end came away deserved winners."
Wanting to end the season on a high note following their disappointment in the Manning Cup, both teams came out blazing and played some delightful touch football in the first 25 minutes.

Ease Off: Kingston College's Richard West (left) is kept at a distance by Charlie Smith midfielder, Chevar Walters, during their Walker Cup final clash at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday. Charlie won the match 1-0. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

As predicted, leading the way for either team were Richard West (KC), and Charlie's Marcelino Blackburn - the island's top schoolboy striker this season.
West, having dropped off into midfield, played a roaming role, while Blackburn was the spearhead of Charlie Smith's attacks.
With the first half nearing it's end, Campbell left unmarked riveted Charlie into the lead for good. Beating the off-side trap, he latched onto a cross and picked his spot before firing past Elwig Cameron in the KC goal.

The second half brought about a change in KC's tactics as they began to use the wingers. But this made little impact, despite hitting the upright in the 55th.
"It feels really good to be winners," said Charlie Smith's captain, Blackburn, who was presented the Cup at the end. "Having lost the Manning Cup, we came together and decided we wanted the Walker Cup . we played hard for it, and this being my last season it feels good," he said.

Blackburn, who also represents national club champions, Arnett Gardens, ended the season on 27 goals - 24 in the Manning Cup and three in the Walker Cup.
Meanwhile, Stratton Palmer, coach of KC, thought his team was again hard-done by refereeing error.

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