Injury-hit Wolmer's, StGC begin title chase

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

St George's College's assistant coach, Marcel Gayle, expects a positive start against Edith Dalton James High when the schools meet today at Winchester Park in one of eight matches on in the urban area ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup.

The Group E matchup, which is slated to get under way at 3:30 p.m., will see St George's, last season's dethroned champions, looking to maintain their dominance against their rivals.

In the first game of their preliminary round group fixture at Winchester Park last season, St George's won 11-0, while in the return leg the 'Light Blues' walked away 2-1 victors at Edith Dalton James.

"At this time, we are about 60 per cent ready as we have a few niggling injuries. This will result in us not starting the strongest team, but nonetheless we are expecting those who start to get the job done," said Gayle.

Among those who are on the injury list are national Under-17 midfielders Romario Jones and Oshane Jenkins.

Jones is nursing a slight groin injury, and Jenkins an ankle injury.

The team is however expected to still be favourites as in their line-up are national Under-17 representatives, goalkeeper Nico Campbell, and midfielder Cordell Benbow.

Edith Dalton James, in the meanwhile, will be hoping for a change in fortune having now acquired the services of Harbour View's women's coach, Bobby McClaren.

Seeking a winning start

In the day's other feature game, Wolmer's Boys with national Under-17 players Jason Wright and Kemo Wallace will also be seeking to get off to a winning start when they play away to Haile Selassie at Tinson Pen.

The boys from Heroes' Circle will be without influential captain and national Under-17 midfielder Omar Holness, who has a knee injury which could rule him out of the entire season.

Other players who coach Ludlow Bernard will be banking on are new captain, midfielder Shaquille Brown, and forward Christopher Campbell.

"We have been preparing all season without Holness, and the hope is that the players will draw inspiration from this and raise their game to that of what is required for us to make a positive start, and ultimately go on to challenge for the title," said Bernard.