Charlie Smith's Andre Powell (left) and Ryan Douglas of Norman Manley battle for possesion in their Walker Cup KO semifinal yesterday at Ferdie Neita Park. Norman Manley won 1-0. (Photo: Gafield Robinson)

The Walker Cup Knockout title has never gone to either St Jago High or Norman Manley, but all of this will change come Saturday as both qualified for the final after the playing of the semifinals yesterday.

Norman Manley, who have been to the final four times but have never won, defeated defending champions, Charlie Smith High 1-0, while St Jago, who will be contesting their first ever Under-19 final, swamped Tivoli Gardens, 4-0.

Both games were played at Ferdie Neita Park.

In what could be described as two lacklustre matches, Norman Manley won on a Bryan Bayliss in the 52nd minute, while victory was achieved for St Jago on a brace each from Horace Sharpe (42nd, 77th) and Michael Marsh (81st and 86th).

Norman Manley won over Charlie Smith on the basis of having more possession than their opponents who, techinically and tactically, were weaker. St Jago triumphed on moments of individual brilliance more than anything else.

Both coaches expressed delight at advancing to the final, but there were concerns too: We were just the better team. "We didn't play to our potential, but an ugly win is better than a pretty loss," said Norman Manley coach, Alrick Clarke.

"Fate has been unkind to us," said St Jago's Danny Hawthorne with reference to being the only team to beat crowned Manning Cup champions, Excelsior, this season.

"... But we're now in the KO final, the first time in our school's history, and hope we'll be able to salvage some silverware from the season."

St Jago's best ever finish in under-19 schoolboy football was a third place finish in the 1999, and this year is the first time they have competed in the Walker Cup KO, despite passing the preliminary stage several times.

Norman Manley, on the other hand, missed out on the Walker Cup in 1995, 1998 and 2001.

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