Robert Bailey, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Defending champions St George's College were held to a 1-1 draw by Hydel in their Inter-Secondary Schools Sports (ISSA)/Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup Group C top-of-the-table clash at the Caymanas field yesterday.

Taffarell Crossdale netted for the Geoffrey Maxwell-coached Hydel in the 34th minute before St George's Andrew Lewis levelled the score in the 64th.

The Georgians lead the group with 14 points, two ahead of Hydel, who remain in second place on 12.

Neville 'Bertis' Bell, coach of St George's, felt his team played well enough to win.

"I thought we played really well and so I am disappointed that we never got the three points," he said.

Hydel's assistant coach Vassell Reynolds was pleased with his team's efforts.

"I thought we played well," said Reynolds. "However, towards the latter part of the second half the players lost their concentration, especially in defence, and we gave up a soft goal."

Hydel dominated the early exchanges and were awarded a penalty in the eighth minute when Giovanni Green was brought down in the 18-yard box by goalkeeper Nico Campbell. Javaney Allen, however, failed to convert from the spot, as his shot went wide of the target.

St George's created a number a clear-cut chances during the first half but they were kept at bay by a very organised Hydel defence.

The lanky Crossdale, who watched his team soaked up a lot of pressure from St George's, gave Hydel the lead when he fired home from close range.

The 'Light Blues', dominated the second half and were finally rewarded for their efforts when Lewis gave them the equaliser.

• Yesterday's Results

Kingston College 0 Charlie Smith 0

Wolmer's 5 Kingston Technical 0

St George's College 1 Hydel 1

Excelsior 6 Campion College 0

St Andrew Technical 3 Meadowbrook 0

Greater Portmore vs Norman Manley - rained outBridgeport vs Innswood - rained outDenham Town and Cumberland - rained out