It's a Lennon, Rusea's final

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Eight-time champions Ru-sea's High and first-time finalists Lennon High earned the right to contest the final of the 2010 ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel daCosta Cup yesterday afternoon when they scored identical 2-1 wins against St James High and outgoing champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS).

In the big western derby at Jarrett Park, the gutsy Rusea's gave up an early goal when Allan Ottey fired home a brilliant volley to give St James a 1-0 lead. However, the courageous Rusea's rallied back gallantly to snatch victory courtesy of a double strike from Anthony Walker.

"We played a tactically disciplined game this afternoon and it paid off beautifully for us," said Anthony 'Follies' Williams, who shared coaching duties at Rusea's with the veteran Emerson 'Diggy' Henry. "We kept our composure when St James took the lead and played ourselves back into the game."

At Brancourt in Clarendon, Lennon High created history when they qualified for their first ever daCosta Cup final at the expense of STETHS, who were hunting the rural double after winning the Ben Francis KO earlier this season. Justin Johnson and Ewan Grandison (penalty) got the goals for Lennon while Denmark Gillings got STETHS' consolation goal.

"The feeling is awesome ... it is too much to explain," said Lennon's coach Merron Gordon. "We are going to enjoy this victory this afternoon and then go home and start preparing for the final ... it is about time we win this title."

Before the biggest crowd seen at Jarrett Park in several years, St James started with a bang and grabbed the lead in the 12th minute. Following an assault on the Rusea's goal, the ball rebounded to Ottey, who spectacularly volleyed home giving the goalkeeper no chance.

With Rusea's playing well and forcing back St James High, they drew level in the 38th minute. A ball that looped high inside the goal area fell kindly for the alert Walker who fired a savage grounder into the back of the net, making the score 1-1.

Under pressure

With the half-time break looming and the St James defence under pressure, Rusea's struck for a second time in the 45th minute. Torito Gregory powered his way down the right side and crossed perfectly for Walker, who slotted home gleefully, making the half-time score 2-1.

The second half produced brilliant end-to-end football but despite good chances falling to both teams, no further goals were scored, giving Rusea's their 2-1 win.

After a 0-0 first half in the game at Brancourt, Lennon started their victory charge when Justin Johnson fired them into a 1-0 lead. Things got better for the Clarendon-based Lennon when they were awarded a penalty and the prolific Grandison converted, making the score 2-0.

With their title slipping away, STETHS were given a lifeline when Gillings got them on the scoresheet, making the score 2-1. However, with no further goals coming in the game, Lennon held on for their 2-1 win.

"We did not take our chances today and coupled with that, we made some serious mistakes in defence," said STETHS' coach, Andrew Edwards. "We are disappointed because we know we could have done better."