ST JAMES, Jamaica – Glenmuir High made a successful start to the defence of their ISSA/Wata Champions Cup title, edging former champions Kingston College 2-1 in their quarterfinal game played in heavy rain at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Saturday.

A stoppage time goal from substitute Nyron Allen was the difference in the pulsating game, arguably the best of the four first round matches played over two days, matching two well prepared teams who executed well.

Glenmuir High will now face Ocho Rios High in one semi-final while Hydel High, who came from a goal down to beat Garvey Maceo High 3-2 in the first game on Saturday, will face Jamaica College in the other semi-final.

On Saturday, Glenmuir took the lead just before halftime when Orane Watson slotted home a corner kick in the 42nd minute.

Kingston College were not to be outdone however as Demario Dailey’s shot from about 25 yards found the far right corner of the Glenmuir High goal in the 62nd minute to tie up the scores.

With time running out and the teams seem headed to penalty kicks to decide the game, Glenmuir found the winner from a brilliant three-man combination. Watson passed to Ricardo Binns on the left wing and his cross found Allen at the back post and he made no mistake.

In the first game of the double-header, Hydel High advanced to back-to-back semifinals, beating Garvey Maceo in a high scoring game for the second consecutive year – the urban area team beat their rural counterparts 4-2 last year.

Garvey Maceo took the lead in the 12th minute when Omarian O’Brian ran almost the entire length of the Hydel High half down the left wing, cut into the 18 yard box and powered a shot past goalkeeper Idrian Robinson.

Dontae Brooks responded for Hydel when he scored from close range in the 20th minute and then took the lead in the 58th minute when D’Sean Henry powered home from the edge of the six yard box.

Garvey Maceo responded quickly when Delano Thompson finished off a good team move, beating goalkeeper Robinson from about four yards out.

Hydel High had the final say however when Keyanni Jackson scored the winner in the 75th minute.
-Paul A Reid