DARLISTON, Westmoreland

The Jamaica Observer West has been reliably informed that Maude McLeod High has withdrawn from the 2017 ISSA/ Flow daCosta Cup competition, which is set to kick off on September 9.

The eastern Westmoreland-based school is one of two that indicated they would not be taking part in the island’s biggest football competition after they were included in the original list issued in June.

Maude McLeod took part the last two years, failed to get past the first round on each occasion, scored just a single point last year, and finished at the bottom of Zone D.

Black River High will replace them in the Zone, joining former champions Godfrey Stewart High, Petersfield High, Grange Hill, Little London High and Mannings School.

Meanwhile, Troy High School from southern Trelawny has been included after being placed on a ‘waiting list’ earlier, and is one of two schools that will be making their debut.

Troy High, who have played in the Under-16 competition the last two years, will play in Zone G with the schools including Alston High, Christiana High, Holmwood Technical and Spalding High.

Carron Hall High in St Mary will also be part of the 90 teams that are expected to participate this season.

— Paul A Reid