KINGSTON, Jamaica — The ISSA Manning Cup resumes on Friday with some intriguing matchups as defending champions Kingston College could face elimination if they lose to Campion College and the Calabar High versus Hydel High game is drawn.

There will be seven games on Friday and one on Saturday as the competition returns after a one-month delay following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Most eyes will be on Jamaica College in Group 2, where champions Kingston College’s title is on the line, having lost their first encounter 0-1 to Hydel High and sits third in the group behind leader Calabar and Hydel on three points each. Calabar had defeated Campion College 3-0.

This makes Friday’s game for KC a most critical one, although they are not expected to lose to Campion College, as truth be told, they dominated Hydel and should have won that game. But they must now be entering this match against Campion College a bit nervously.

Head coach Vassell Reynolds is cognisant of the fact, but remained calm and believes his team will deliver in what is now a must-win game.

“Extremely vital game and it comes at a difficult time, the fact that we are returning from a long layoff, albeit our opponent is in the same situation,” said Reynolds.

“However, we understand the situation and are well aware of what is required of us as defending champions. I think we have done well enough in terms of our preparations coming in and we expect the team to execute well enough to give us the desired result,” he noted.

Calabar or Hydel High could seal their quarterfinal spot if either one wins in their top-of-the-group clash to be played at Calabar High School at 3:00 pm.

Meanwhile, in Group 4, many times champions and perennial favourites Jamaica College (JC) will be in a similar but slightly better situation when they face St Jago, looking to keep their title hopes alive. Match time is 4:15 pm at Jamaica College.

JC are on one point, the same as Eltham High and behind group leader Mona High, sitting easy on three points, who will play Eltham at the Spanish Town Prison Oval at 3:00 pm.

A defeat for JC could spell danger as they will have to play the dangerous Mona High in their final group game, needing to win.

In Group 3, former champions St George’s College host Vauxhall High also in a must-win game, having lost their first match to group leaders Charlie Smith who could seal their quarterfinal spot if they beat St Catherine High on Saturday.

Charlie Smith leads the group with three points and are followed by St Cathrine High and Vauxhall on a point each. St George’s College is pointless.

Another massive game will be in Group 1, where Excelsior High and St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) clash in a top-of-the-table encounter at the Waterhouse Mini-Stadium, starting at 4:15 pm. Both are on three points and the winner will secure a quarterfinal berth.

In the second Group 1 encounter, the pointless Wolmer’s Boys will tackle Tivoli Gardens in the curtain raiser at 2:00 pm, knowing a win would keep them in contention for a top eight spot.

Friday’s matches:

Group 1

Tivoli Gardens vs Wolmer’s Boys at Waterhouse Mini-Stadium @ 2 :00 pm

STETHS vs Excelsior at Waterhouse Mini-Stadium @ 4 :15 pm

Group 2

Campion College vs Kingston College at Jamaica College @ 2:00 pm

Calabar High vs Hydel High at Calabar @ 3:00 pm

Group 3

St George’s College vs Vauxhall High at St George’s College @ 3:00 pm

Group 4

Eltham High vs Mona at Spanish Town Prison Oval @ 3:00 pm
Jamaica College vs St Jago at Jamaica College @ 4:15 pm