Defending all-island champions Jamaica College (JC) edged Hydel High 3-2 in an exciting encounter in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association/Digicel Manning Cup at Caymanas field yesterday.

The victory gives the “Dark Blues” sole leadership of Group F, moving to 16 points from five wins from six games. Hydel, meantime, in their first loss of the season, remained in second spot with 13 points.

Javain Thompson gave JC a 37th-minute lead tapping home after goalkeeper Shaquani Davis failed to gather Norman Campbell’s low cross.

Then Fabiki Farquharson pulled Hydel level with a stunning free kick in minute 45. JC restored their advantage as Tajay Grant slotted home in the 54th minute, just seconds after they had a penalty shout turned down.

The outstanding Campbell then got on the scoresheet, putting the icing on the cake by firing home in the 75th minute following brilliant play by Shadane Lopez.

Substitute Jordane Cameron reduced the deficit with a beautifully curled effort in minute 82.

It was the best of games by both teams on a slightly muddy pitch, but they showed enough quality to be more than a threat in the second round.

Winning coach Andrew Peart was thankful for the three points as his team created some breathing space between themselves and Hydel.

“It’s important for us to claim top spot in the group, and of the five games played, we saw Hydel as the challenger to us and the first game showed that as well, so it was very important for us to separate ourselves from Hydel and the other teams in the group,” noted Peart.

“We managed to control the game which was very good and prevented Hydel from getting goals on the counter attack. In the first game they were very efficient in the counter-attack, sitting deep and playing the balls to the wingers, which are very good players I must add.

“Cutting off the supply to those players were very important and we also managed to create a lot of scoring chances, which was very good for us,” he added.

Meanwhile, Hydel’s Corey Bennett Rueda rued his team’s first home loss in two years.

“We wanted to maintain that, but it wasn’t to be. After the first 45 minutes we drew even and I was hoping that we would bounced back with more momentum in the second half… I dont think all the players played to instruction, but it’s part of it and we want to keep it as it is a first-round game and not a final,” said Bennett.

“We don’t need to hold our heads down too much. We have three crucial games coming and it’s going to be a tough week, but we have to get the job done,” he added.

Yesterday’s results

Group A

St George’s 1, Cumberland 0

Group B

Kingston College8, Clan Carthy 0

Calabar 1, Dunnon 0

Mona 6, Ardenne 0

Group D

St Jago 2, Greater Portmore 0

Tivoli 1, Bridgeport 0

Group E

Excelsior 2, Penwood 0

St Catherine 10, Oberlin 0

Group F

Vauxhall 2, Campion 0

Hydel 2, Jamaica College 3