Six-time champions St Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS) and another former winner, Frome Technical, will start the chase for the ISSA/WATA Ben Francis Cup with four games down for today’s first round.

STETHS, who just failed to get past the Round of 16 in the daCosta Cup, beaten on goal-difference, will host William Knibb Memorial at the STETHS Sports Complex; Frome Technical will host Tacky High at the Frome Sports Complex; Happy Grove High and Mile Gully will meet at Carder Park; and McGrath High and Port Antonio High will meet at Ewarton Sports Complex.

The teams that have failed to get past the quarter-final round of the daCosta Cup will join today’s winners in the next round.

STETHS were edged out of a spot in the quarter-finals on goal-difference, but are expected to make a strong showing and should start with a win over William Knibb who failed to win any games and finished at the bottom of their group with a point.

STETHS, who have not won a title since the 2015 season, were knocked out of the first round of the Ben Francis Cup last season and will seek to atone for this.

These teams would not have played any competitive football in two weeks and while they will get the chance to get over injuries, there could also be some rust to get over.

Frome Technical, who also lost their first game in the Ben Francis Cup last season, in the quarter-finals, will have home advantage over Tacky High, who lost all three Round of 16 games.

The other four schools in the competition have never won at any level of ISSA football and this could be a big chance for them to claim a title.

Happy Grove will fancy their chances against Mile Gully playing at Carder Park, but the Manchester school should not be counted out of the competition.

McGrath High are enjoying their best season in years and should be able to get the better of Port Antonio High.