Calabar look to rebound

Former champions Calabar High will be looking to bounce back from their 5-0 thrashing at the hands of St George's College (StGC) in the semi-final of the Walker Cup, when they oppose Camperdown in today's feature second-round game of the Inter-Secondary Sports Association (ISSA)/Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup at the Constant Spring Complex, starting at 3 p.m.

In the opening game of the double-header, a confident StGC team will take on Penwood. The Neville 'Bertis' Bell-coached boys from North Street are expected to get the better of their opponents quite easily. The Light Blues progressed to the second round by virtue of topping the group with 25 points. They have scored 40 goals while conceding a mere three.

Striker Kendon Anderson, who has netted 12 goals so far this season, will lead StGC's hunt for goals. Anderson is expected to receive solid support from national youth players André Lewis, Romario Jones, Cardel Benbow, Oshane Jenkins, and goalkeeper Nico Campbell. Penwood were unimpressive on their path to the second round, finishing runners-up to Kingston College in Group F after amassing 13 points, scoring 18 goals while conceding 14.

"We are here to play every competition, and now that we know that we are in the Walker Cup final, we are setting our eyes on the Manning Cup," said Marcel Gayle, assistant coach of StGC.

Best shot

On the other hand, Penwood's assistant coach, Rupert Nicholas, said they are going to give it their best shot.

"We just have to come and play our game and play to our plans, and see how it works out," Nicholas said.

Calabar, who will be led by their inspirational playmaker Chevonne 'Messi' Marsh, breezed into the second round by virtue of winning all their games.

"They are in high spirits just the same, and we will rebound, but to how high we are going to rebound is yet to be seen," coach Marvin Tate added.

Camperdown finished runners-up in Group D with 25 points, the same as eventual winners Jamaica College.

"We are playing a Calabar team that is wounded, and when your are wounded you are dangerous," said Christopher Bender, coach of Camperdown.