daCosta Cup: Big doubleheader at Glenmuir

What is seen as the “Group of Death” in the rural schoolboys daCosta Cup competition will serve up a treat today with a fiery Group I doubleheader at Glenmuir High School.

In the opener at 1:30 p.m., defending champions Garvey Maceo High face Vere Technical before home team Glenmuir take on neighbours Denbigh High at 3:30 p.m.

Garvey Maceo will be aiming for back-to-back wins after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Foga Road in their first match. Vere, meanwhile, are hunting their first win after being held to a surprise 1-1 draw by Winston Jones High in their opener.

Coach of Garvey Maceo Lester Hibbert says his team is not taking anything for granted.

“We are confident that we will gain a victory against Vere, but we are not taking the match lightly. This is a Clarendon derby, and as defending champions, every team will be coming for us. I am certain Vere will lift their game – it’s like David going up against Goliath,” Hibbert said.

“The objective is to take it step by step. We want to defend our title, and the players are confident after that opening win. It’s all about securing three points today.”

Vere’s head coach, Dwight Angus, was disappointed with his team’s opening draw after taking an early lead.

“We really wanted to kickstart our campaign with a win, especially after a very good preseason,” he explained. “The result was disappointing because I don’t think the scoreline reflected how we played. We dominated and created numerous chances, but just didn’t put the ball in the net.”

Despite facing the champions, Angus insists that his team won’t be intimidated.

“Our guys are ready for the challenge. We need three points, and I am confident we will achieve our objective,” he said.

In the second encounter, Glenmuir, who were stunned in last year’s semi-finals by Garvey Maceo, are determined to go all the way this time. They made a statement in their opener, crushing Bustamante High 13-0. Last season’s top scorer, Orane Watson, netted eight goals, while former Denbigh standout, Dusting Cohen, added three. Both are expected to lead their team’s charge again with good support expected from Orel Miller and Renaldo Campbell.

Denbigh, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with Kemps Hill High in their first match. They will be without key player Odaine Thompson, who was red-carded in that game. A lot will depend on their defence line, led by skipper Alwardo Fearon, and especially Ryando Harvey, who was outstanding against Kemps Hill, if they are to blunt a very experienced Glenmuir front line.

With pride, points, and bragging rights on the line, Clarendon fans can expect fireworks in today’s doubleheader.

Two other games will be played in the group today, starting at 3:30 p. m. Foga Road will be at home against Kemps Hill, with Bustamante High hosting Winston Jones High.