Charlie Smith stand between Wolmer's and second round

Former champions Wolmer's Boys' School, along with five other teams, will be seeking qualification spots to the second round of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/ Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup competition today.

Wolmer's will play away to early qualifier and group leaders Charlie Smith in Group C's feature game at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

The Ludlow Bernard-coached Wolmer's are third in the standings on 17 points. Charlie Smith lead the way with 25 points, ahead of Ascot (18).

In the group's other game, Ascot will host fourth-place Dunoon (eight) knowing that even if they were to suffer a defeat they would qualify for the next round as the best third-place team.

looking for best result

"Our qualification status is not very clear for us. However, the best result is to win the game and this will assure us qualification to the next round," said Bernard.

When both teams met earlier this season, Charlie Smith got the better of Wolmer's 4-3. However, Bernard added that he was confident his team could pull off a victory this time around.

"Our form in the last couple of games has been good, and so I am confident that we can achieve the results that we need to qualify," said Bernard.

In Group F, Penwood and Donald Quarrie are vying to advance along with group winners Kingston College (KC). The Trevor 'Jumpy' Harris-coached KC lead the group with 24 points, ahead of Penwood, 10, and Donald Quarrie nine. Penwood will play away to Ardenne (four) while Donald Quarrie will battle Norman Manley (six).

Over in Group B, last year's beaten finalist Waterford are in pole position to advance with the group's winners Hydel, as they are second with 16 points. Denham Town are third on 14 points.

Denham Town will have the toughest task when they host Hydel at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex. Waterford will host bottom-place Campion College (three) at their school ground.

In Group E, Spanish Town's defence has put them in prime position to advance ahead of third-place Innswood. Both sides are locked in second place on 17 points each. But despite having equally scored 21 goals, Spanish Town have a superior goal difference, based on having conceded six goals fewer.

Spanish Town will face a tricky contest when they travel to Jacisera Park to face Tarrant (10). Innswood will host the leaders and early qualifiers St George's College (22) at Chedwin Park.

Like Innswood, Spanish Town are also in the running for progressing as one of the best third-place teams in the competition. All matches start at 3:30 p.m.

Today's games

Group A

Greater Portmore vs Calabar

Excelsior vs St Catherine

Group B

Tivoli vs Papine

Denham Town vs Hydel

Waterford vs Campion

Group C

Charlie Smith vs Wolmer's

Ascot vs Dunoon

Vauxhall vs Haile Selassie

Group D

Camperdown vs Kingston Technical

Jamaica College vs Pembroke Hall

Cumberland vs St Jago

Group E

Meadowbrook vs Edith Dalton James

Tarrant vs Spanish Town

Innswood vs St George's

Group F

Ardenne vs Penwood

Norman Manley vs Donald Quarrie

Group G

St Mary's College STATHS

Jose Marti vs Bridgeport