SPALDING, Clarendon – Spalding High are like the forgotten Clarendon school, oftentimes mistaken for a Manchester institution, given their location right on the border of both parishes.

Playing their daCosta Cup home games at the Kirkvine Sports Club in Manchester has not helped to dispel the misconception either.

However, members of the school’s daCosta Cup team are hoping that a successful campaign in this season’s rural area senior schoolboy football competition will serve as a lasting reminder that they are indeed from this mid-island parish.

Spalding were the only school to book their place in the Inter-Zone round of the daCosta Cup with a 100 per cent win record after topping Zone G – comprising Alston, Christiana, deCarteret College, Holmwood Technical and Knox College – with 30 points.

Consequently, Courtney Jackson’s side earned a date with another pre-tournament favourite — Manchester High — in the first round of the Ben Francis KO competition, which they eventually lost 6-5 on penalties after rallying for a 2-2 scoreline in full and extra-time.

While a victory in the Ben Francis Cup would have been greatly appreciated, it is the big one that Jackson and his charges have set their sights on.

“It’s just a pity we couldn’t get at least one more game in the Ben Francis, but the spirit is still high because everybody knew from day one that the focus is really the daCosta Cup,” Jackson noted.

Spalding got close four years ago, losing to St James High on their maiden appearance in the final. This time, should they return to Montego Bay as finalists, Jackson – who along with captain Andre Morrison are the only members remaining from the 2008 squad – is hoping they will be the ones rejoicing.

“From the moment you reach the final everybody is looking forward to going one better the next time,” he reasoned. “We have some experienced players in the team and they really want to give it a go this season so (2008) has really been a motivation to us,” he said.

While disappointed at being knocked out of the Ben Francis Cup, Jackson reckons it might just be a blessing in disguise. “We still need to catch up on a few things, so this will give us some time to put in some work,” he told Jamaica Observer Central.

Spalding earned praise for their defensive discipline in the first round, having conceded a mere three goals prior to their 2-2 draw with Manchester. Jackson admitted that defence is “the strong point of the team”.

He noted, at the same time, that reducing a two-goal deficit against a quality Manchester team also speaks volumes for their offensive capabilities, which will be severely tested when they line up against two title favourites, St Elizabeth Technical and Lennon, plus Belfield, in what appears to be the toughest Inter-Zone group.

However, Jackson, whose side averaged more than three goals per game in the first round, said they are not daunted by the challenge.

“It’s something that we anticipated from day one, so we are ready for it,” he said, “We are motivated because if we want to win the trophy we know we have to beat the best.”