Fights for daCosta Cup spots heat up

AS THE last stages of the first-round heat up, Zone B’s Frome Technical High and Cambridge High find themselves in a rat race, fighting to secure wins for second place in mega clashes with Rusea’s High and Anchovy High, respectively, in the ISSA daCosta Cup today.

Three teams are still in contention for two second-round places from the zone, with Cambridge still in with a chance of making it.

Frome will host Ruseas’s at the Frome playing field at 3:30 p.m., while Anchovy and Cambridge will play at Jarrett Park at 1:30 p.m.

Rusea’s have 16 points, with Frome in second with 13, and Cambridge third on 11.

In their first meeting this season, Rusea’s outclassed Frome 3-1 at the Collin Miller Sports Complex in Lucea, and Frome will be seeking a win to draw level with their rivals at the top of the zone.

The Westmoreland-based Frome, who have had their struggles this season, will be hoping to get things together and get into form to make an impact for the remaining games.

In the meantime, the young Cambridge team came into this season as one of the underdogs who have been showing improvement over the years. The St James-based team created history, registering their first point against Frome with a 1-1 draw in their home game.

Head coach of Cambridge, Garrett Dennis, aims to keep the team competitive with the leaders in the zone.

“We are looking forward to the three points today, and see where they lead us at the end of the road, because the top two are playing today. We expect no less than a win today. If Frome loses, we are looking to capitalise on that,” said Dennis, who believes in the team’s hard work and potential.

While the team has improved this year in terms of results, there are still areas that need refinement to meet their potential, according to Dennis.

“In terms of how I want the team to play, we have some things we haven’t gotten right as yet. We see glimpses of it in games, so hopefully as we grow, we will get much better,” added Dennis.

Meanwhile, Cleighton Stephens, head coach of Frome, said the team understands the necessity of winning, while also acknowledging the importance of not losing.

“The team is highly motivated and is ready for today. We want nothing less than a draw, but we are going for the win. I am urging the team to give it their all,” said Stephens.

Stephens stressed the significance of the game, likening it to a final.

“The game today is like a final to us. We have to work like it is the last big game of the season, and we have to win. We made adjustments, so we will be ready for today,” said Stephens.

Today’s Games

Anchovy vs Cambridge – Jarrett Park

Cornwall vs Irwin – Cornwall College

Frome vs Rusea’s – Frome

Herbert Morrison vs Maldon – Herbert Morrison

St James High vs Green Pond - Jarrett Park

Knockalva vs Green Island - Knockalva

Black River vs Petersfield – Black River

Troy High vs William Knibb – Troy High

Marcus Garvey vs Ocho Rios- Drax Hall

Titchfield vs St Mary High- Carder Park