StGC swamp Edith 11-1

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Former champions St George's College (StGC) sent out a strong warning to their rivals in this year's Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup competition, with an impressive 11-1 win over Edith Dalton James, in their Group E encounter at Winchester Park, St George's College, yesterday.

The Georgians, who last won the title in 2009, were led to victory courtesy of a four-timer from Kendon Anderson and a hat-trick from Davion Kelly.

The North Street-based school came out firing in the first half and were quickly on the scoresheet when national Under-17 representative Romario Jones netted in the fourth minute.

The speedy and tricky Anderson netted his goals in the 21st, 34th, 53rd, 78th minutes, as Edith Dalton James failed to keep pace with the smooth-flowing attacking play of StGC which led 7-1 at half-time. The fleet-footed Kelly, who was his team's leading goalscorer last season, netted in the 13th, 17th and 45th minutes. Mark Brown (36th), national Under-17 player Andre Lewis (85th), the team's captain and substitute Oshane Boothe (58th), were the other goalscorers for the Neville 'Bertis' Bell-coached StGC.

Christopher Campbell scored the consolation goal for Edith Dalton James in the 37th minute.

"We wanted three points because we wanted to get some confidence in our players and we got 11 goals and I am happy for that," said Bell. "Edith Dalton gave us too much room to play and we took advantage of that and hence were able to outscore them."

Bobby McClaren, coach of the Edith Dalton James, said: "We have a very young team and for most of the players, this is the first time playing at this level. I think that it is a learning curve for them because most of these players have three more years remaining in this competition and so an experience like this is great for them."