Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Defending champions Jamaica College (JC) and Norman Manley High sealed their spots in the semi-finals of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Pepsi/Digicel Walker Cup KO competition, following identical 2-0 victories over St George's College and Waterford High, respectively, at the Spanish Town Prison Oval in St Catherine yesterday.

The Alfred Henry-coached JC blanked St George's with goals from Junior Flemming (16th) and Shamal Thomas (79th).

JC dominated the opening minutes of the game and were rewarded when Flemming headed home a brilliant cross from his teammate Ashani Walker. St George's captain Devon Williams went very close to earning the equaliser for his team on the stroke of half-time, but his point-blank shot went wide of the target.

Thomas sealed victory for JC eleven minutes from full time, with a well-placed header past goalkeeper Nico Campbell.

Meanwhile, Lamar Thompson (28th) and Dean Phillips (74th) were on target for Norman Manley in their exciting victory over Waterford. The speedy and skilful Thompson gave Norman Manley the lead when he sent a powerful shot past goalkeeper Michham Harrison.

Long-range effort denied

Kemar Henry came close to doubling Norman Manley's lead five minutes later, but his long-range effort was denied by the crossbar. Phillips wrapped up the match for Norman Manley when he converted a penalty 16 minutes from full time.

Both teams have now joined Bridgeport High and Eltham High in the semi-finals. Bridgeport beat St Andrew Technical on Friday, while Eltham were winners over Excelsior High.