STATHS, JC meet in Zone C top-of-the-table clash

FORMER CHAMPIONS Jamaica College (JC) and St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) will meet in today’s top-of-the-table clash in Zone C of the ISSA/WATA Manning Cup competition.

The game will be played at the Ashenheim Stadium on Old Hope Road, starting at 3 p.m. In the group’s other game, Camperdown will host Vauxhall at the Alpha Boys’ Home.

JC, who last won the title in 2022, lead the zone with 23 points on goal difference, ahead of STATHS, who are also on 23 points. JC have netted a prolific 53 goals while conceding just one, while STATHS have scored 45 goals and conceded four. They are followed by Vauxhall on 17 points and Camperdown on 12.

JC, STATHS, and Vauxhall have all advanced to the round of 16, while Camperdown have failed to progress to the next stage of the competition.

JC and STATHS played out a nil-all draw in their first meeting this season. However, JC’s coach, Raymond Watson, said his team is determined to secure all three points today.

“Even though both teams have already qualified, it is definitely going to be a very interesting game; and based on the rivalry that has developed between both teams, I don’t think anyone wants to lose to each other,” said Watson.

“I think that we definitely want to maintain a winning mentality going into the next round, so definitely, we are looking to have the three points.”

Watson added that his team has not played to their full potential so far this season, but he expects improvement as they move deeper into the competition.

“We are trying to get there, and I believe that as this competition progresses, we will definitely get better. We are trying to put the pieces together, and based on what has happened over the first round, I think we are 50 or 60 per cent of what we would like to be.”

JC will be led by their leading scorer Dwayne Burger, who has netted 10 goals this season, along with his strike partner Kishawn Lee-Chin, who has nine, and team captain Dante Logan.

STATHS head coach Phillip Williams said he is confident that his team will put on a strong showing against JC.

“We do plan and prepare for each game separately and try to execute our game plan at all times, and this game is no different,” said Williams.

“We are always confident, but that does not guarantee a positive result. We always give every game our 100 per cent effort and accept whatever result, once we know we have given our best.”

Williams added that his team has been making steady progress throughout the season and is now focused on the next phase of the championship.

“To be honest, we want to play our best at all times, no matter the opponent or the stage of the competition. Our priority at this point is to nurse back those who are injured, which may include resting players from games, and to do the necessary recovery procedures to have the strongest squad for the next round where it matters most, since we have already done enough to qualify,” he said.

“The completion of the fixture is, however, important, and we will definitely honour the fixture with an honest effort,” Williams pointed out.

In Zone C, another massive showdown is expected when Mona host Calabar in their battle for the top spot. Mona, who are unbeaten so far this season, lead the zone with a perfect 27 points from nine games, followed by Calabar on 24, Wolmer’s on 15, and Ascot on 10.

In the group’s other match, Wolmer’s will play away to Ascot High School in Portmore, St Catherine.