Big rush for second-round spots

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

The final round of matches in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports (ISSA)/Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup competition will be played today.

The matches were slated for last Saturday, but were postponed because heavy rainfall left fields unplayable.

Former champions Wolmer's Boys', along with five other teams, will be seeking qualification to the second round.

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

The Ludlow Bernard-coached Wolmer's are third in the standings on 17 points. Charlie Smith lead 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 could still qualify for the next round as the best third-place team.

"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 said his team can pull off a victory this time.

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

In Group F, Penwood and Donald Quarrie are vying to advance alongside 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).

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

Denham Town will have the toughest task when they host Hydel at Edward Seaga Sports Complex. Waterford will host bottom-place Campion College (three) at their Portmore 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 what appears the easier 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 one of the best third-place spots in the competition. All matches start at 3:30 p.m.