Charlie Smith look to fine-tune for semis

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Charlie Smith High School's head coach, Jerome Waite, will be using today's ISSA/Gatorade/ Digicel Manning Cup Group J second-round encounter against out-of-contention Bridgeport High to fine-tune preparations for the semi-finals.

The showdown, which will be played at 3 p.m. at Spanish Town Prison Oval, will be the second of a double-header, with two other out-of-contention teams - Waterford and Spanish Town - down to meet in the opening game at 1 p.m.

"We will be resting players, basically, with the hope that they will be able to come back fresh for the semi-finals," said Waite.

"We will also be using the match to take a close look at a few fringe players in the squad, who could be called upon in the semis," he added.

Charlie Smith, who along with St George's and Wolmer's have so far qualified for the semi-finals, lead the group with maximum six points.

They are followed by Bridgeport, who are on two points, while rounding out the bottom are Waterford and Spanish Town, who are both on one point.

St George's and Wolmer's will meet in one of the semi-final matches, while Charlie Smith are scheduled to play the team that comes out on top in tomorrow's Jamaica College versus Kingston College clash at Constant Spring.

That matchup tomorrow, which will be the second of a double-header, will see KC entering the game needing a win to advance and JC needing a draw.

JC have a maximum six points from two games, with a plus-four goal difference, while KC have so far amassed four points with a plus-one goal difference.

In a game of academic interest, Excelsior and St Andrew Technical will meet in the opening encounter.

Today's matches

1 p.m. Spanish Town vs Waterford

3 p.m. Bridgeport vs Charlie Smith

Both matches will be played at Spanish Town Prison Oval.