Excelsior High captain, Hue Howell (left), and his Frome Technical counterpart, Triston Cunningham, with the all-island schoolboy Olivier Shield trophy, after receiving it from David Burton (centre), events coordinator of Pepsi Cola Jamaica Limited. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

THEIR quest to win the all-island Olivier Shield outright did not bear fruit, but the fact that they ended up sharing the coveted trophy has left both Frome Technical High and Excelsior High content.

After playing to a 1-1 draw in the first leg final last Saturday at Jarrett Park, Montego Bay, they had to settle for a another 1-1 stalemate in the second leg final at Harbour View yesterday, for a 2-2 aggregate score.

"Based on the fact that we didn't play that well I am satisfied with the result," said Boysie Nicholson, coach of Frome Technical.

"It was a very good season for us, a very long season, and I think the boys must be congratulated for winning the daCosta Cup for the first time and sharing the Olivier Shield," he added.

In a match that was lively from start to finish, both teams countered rainy and muddy conditions to play enterprising football.

Frome first opened the scoring in the 14th minute when lead striker, Shane Anderson, neatly headed home a cross to the delight of the small band of traveling Westmoreland supporters. The lead disappeared three minutes later as Excelsior striker, Ricardo Ximines, worked his ways through the Frome defence to tap home.

Both teams then went in search of another goal before the half-time break, but to no avail. Excelsior's Sheldon McKay, the hero in Montego Bay, got the best chance but after having Frome's goalkeeper, Triston Summervile, at his mercy, he fired wide of the upright from atop the penalty area.

The second half began at a reasonable pace but was a far cry from the high intensity of the first. Using their size and strength to their advantage, Frome began to set the pace but each time they went forward they were denied by water-logged spots on the field or Excelsior's resolute defence.

In the 58th minute Anderson, who looked a cool customer throughout, could have put Frome in front but after collecting a long ball on his chest, could not get his shot under the crossbar.

Excelsior launched a couple of attacks of their own and in the 79th minute came close to stealing the show, only to see Narado Brown miss from the edge of the area with only Summerville to beat.

"Winnng the Manning Cup and sharing the Olivier Shield is more than a Christmas gift," said Lebert Halliman, coach of Excelsior.

"I think the heavy conditions favoured Frome as they were all over us. We had to sit behind the ball and try for the counter. We had to change our game plan. We could not play one and two touch on these heavy conditions or dribble, and we couldn't play the high ball as their players are tall. So we tried to attack down the flanks and get the crosses on the floor. It didn't work out for a victory but it gave us the equaliser," he added.

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