Group 3 set for high-stakes daCosta Cup finale

The battle for quarterfinal places in Group 3 is expected to go right down to the wire when the final set of matches in the Round of 16 of the ISSA daCosta Cup football competition gets under way today.

All four teams – Dinthill Technical, Lacovia High, Denbigh High and Clarendon College are still in contention for the two available quarterfinal spots.

Dinthill lead the group with four points with both Lacovia and Denbigh are breathing down their necks on three points each. Clarendon College are bottom of the group on one point.

Today’s showdown between Denbigh and Clarendon College promises to be particularly intriguing, with both teams meeting for the second time this season. Their previous encounter came in the semifinals of the Ben Francis KO competition, where they played to a goalless draw before Clarendon College prevailed 4-3 in a penalty shootout to advance.

That result should provide extra motivation for Denbigh, who will be eager to settle old scores and secure a place in the last eight. Known as giant killers this season, the Clarendon-based school will know that another big performance could take them one step closer to a historic quarterfinal appearance.

A victory over Clarendon College would guarantee Denbigh a place in the quarterfinals, while a draw could also be enough if Dinthill get the better of Lacovia.

However, Dinthill cannot afford to take anything for granted despite their position at the top. They face a dangerous Lacovia outfit knowing that a defeat could see them overtaken, particularly if Lacovia claim all three points to move to six.

For Lacovia, the equation is simple: victory would take them to six points and put them in a strong position to advance. They will also be keeping a close eye on the Denbigh-Clarendon encounter, knowing that the result there could have a major bearing on their chances.

Clarendon College, traditionally one of the competition’s powerhouse teams, face perhaps the toughest challenge. They must beat Denbigh to keep their hopes alive, but even a victory may not be enough to guarantee progression, with goal difference potentially coming into play.

It is the kind of final-day drama that makes schoolboy football so exciting, and with four teams fighting for just two places, Group 3 is undoubtedly the one to watch.

Today’s games

Garvey Maceo vs Cornwall

Frome vs Ocho Rios

Dinthill vs Lacovia

Denbigh vs Clarendon

STETHS vs Kemps Hill

Glenmuir vs Manchester

Central vs Munro

McGrath vs Manning’s

All games kick off at 3 p.m.