Calabar, STGC secure big wins

Robert Bailey, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Marvellous and classy, were some of the adjectives Calabar's coach Marvin Tate used to describe his team's 5-1 victory over defending Champions Jamaica College (JC) in the quarter-final game of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Gatorade/ Digicel Walker Cup knockout competition yesterday, at the Constant Sports Complex.

The boys from Red Hills Road, who entered the game as slight favourites, given their Manning Cup preliminary round form, outclassed JC throughout.

Sashkie Daley (5th), Wilbourne Williams (18th), Javon East (61st), substitute Paul Newman (76th) and Shane Franklin (81st), were the goalscorers for the rampant Calabar team. Nicholas Scott scored the consolation goal for JC in the 12th minute.

'Marvellous game'

"I think the guys played a marvellous game," said Tate. "We have been sending a message all season, but nobody is listening to what we are saying, and I think my team just went out and showed everybody what we are about," he said.

Tate added that he is confident his team can win the title this year.

"I think we have a very tough team and we have some very excellent players that are coachable and they are also very disciplined," Tate said.

Continuing Tate added: "I think my players are motivated to do well because we have the triple crown in mind, and they are doing exceptionally well to achieve that."

Played in front of a packed house, the green-and-black-clad Calabar signalled their intentions early, as Daley gave them the lead against the run of play, when he fired home a powerful shot past custodian Sherrick Davis.

However, Scott gave the Dark Blues the equaliser seven minutes later, as he evaded the Calabar's offside trap, to calmly slot the ball into the back of the net past goalkeeper Richard Chambers. Williams restored Calabar's lead six minutes later, when he converted from the penalty spot.

JC were reduced to 10 men in the 24th minutes, this after Conroy Johnson was sent off for a dangerous tackle against Calabar's Chevonne 'Messi' Marsh. With their one-man advantage, Calabar came firing in the second period, as goals by East, Franklin and Newman led to them wrapping up the match very quickly.

Calabar were also reduced to 10 players in the 89th minute, Franklin ejected for violent conduct.

In the day's second game of the double-header, former champions St George's College (StGC) thrashed Hydel 3-0.

The Neville 'Bertis' Bell-coached StGC were led to their victory courtesy of a brace from national Under-17 striker Kendon Anderson in 19th and 28th minute.

Substitute Davion Kelly netted StGC's third goal in the 83rd minute. "I thought we started well and we ended well, and I am happy that we got the victory," said Bell.

The semi-finals will be played on Tuesday at the same venue.