Champs JC ousted from Manning Cup after St George’s draw
A new champion is set to be crowned in this year’s ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup as defending champions Jamaica College (JC) exited the competition following a 1-1 draw against St George’s College (STGC) in Group Two at the Richard Ashenheim Stadium on Saturday.
In a thrilling contest, Brian Burkett scored for the Neville “Bertis” Bell-coached STGC in the 45th minute from the penalty spot, while Jayd Johnson equalised for JC in the 60th minute.
In the group’s other match, Hydel dominated Tivoli Gardens with a 3-1 victory at Eltham High School. These results mean that Hydel finished at the top of the group with seven points, followed by STGC with five points. JC secured three points, and Tivoli Gardens ended with zero.
Marcel Gayle, assistant coach of St George’s College, expressed joy with the team’s performance, especially considering the effort they put in to secure the crucial point.
“It is a good feeling to be in the semi-finals once again because the kids worked really hard for this,” said Gayle. “Our goalkeeper D’Jone Davis was fantastic between the sticks for us, and I think that he made the difference for us. Nevertheless, it was a workmanlike performance, and we are grateful for this point which takes us into the semifinal.”
On the other side, Davion Ferguson, head coach of JC, lamented the missed opportunities that cost his side three points.
“I think that our performance was okay because I don’t think that we performed poorly, but what I think is that we didn’t take our chances,” said Ferguson.
“We created enough chances to win the game, but it never happened, and such is football. If you don’t take your chances, especially in a game that we needed to win, then you are not going to get your desired result.”
Despite playing on their home turf, JC faced challenges in converting scoring opportunities due to both faulty shooting from their attackers and exceptional goalkeeping from St George’s custodian Davis. Burkett’s penalty spot goal gave STGC the lead at half-time, but JC fought back in the second half with Johnson’s beautiful strike, although solid defence from STGC prevented JC from taking the lead.
The other semi-finalists are Mona and Kingston College.
