Kingston College drew first blood in the North Street battle as they downed neighbours St George’s College 2-0 in the final of the ISSA Colts Under-16 competition inside National Stadium yesterday.

The “Purples” through goals from Kevaughn Goldson (sixth) and Tyrese Williams (16th), proved too much for their neighbours in the contest which was a prelude to the big Manning Cup final between both teams.

Kingston College also reclaimed their glory in the competition which they won consecutively in 2015 and 2016, before missing out last year.

Winning coach Raymond Watson was overwhelmed by the accomplishment of winning three titles in four years.

“This was always a work in progress. When we started this season we had this goal in mind to be in the final and play on the day of the Manning Cup final, and we did that. Coming into the game our aim was to play fast, attacking football and it worked well for us today [yesterday].

“So I am very happy because we really wanted this one after we missed out last year so we only had one choice — to come back and win it this year,” Watson told the Jamaica Observer in a post-game interview.

Despite coming out on the losing end, Marcel Gayle of St George’s College lauded his team for their fortitude throughout the season.

“To God be the glory. Today was not our day but congrats to Kingston College. My team wanted to play but we took a while to get going, and as such gave up two early goals; and though we fought hard we couldn’t get back.

“But I am proud of them; we played nine games and this was our first loss and the first game that we haven’t scored in, so I’m still proud of my boys for a well-paced season,”Gayle reasoned.

After Gordon and Williams gave Kingston College a two-goal cushion in what was a frantic start to the 80-minute contest, St George’s College found their footing and tried to claw their way back into the match but failed to make the most of their opportunities at the back end of the first half.

As they did in the first half, Kingston College again briskly left the blocks on the resumption and created a few openings to add to the tally, as St George’s College, though spirited in battle, struggled to cope.

In the 52nd minute Qwayne Williams went on the break for Kingston College and expertly dismissed his marker, but his right-footed effort was parried by custodian Darren Valentine diving to his right.

Three minutes later Valentine again came up big for St George’s College with another diving effort to deny Tyrese Williams.

By the hour mark Kingston College’s attacking front were merely enjoying themselves and Qwayne Williams again dismissed two defenders on his way to goal, but his final effort sailed just wide of the left upright.

Jaheim Dewar then got in on the act as he also danced his way through St George’s College’s defence before being brought down inside the 18-yard area. However, his appeal for a penalty was waved off by referee Andrewa Hayden eight minutes from time.