Frome, McGrath clash in Ben Francis KO final
Published:Saturday | December 9, 2023 | 12:11 AM
While Frome Technical are seeking their second hold on the Ben Francis Cup, McGrath High are into their first such final and coach Jermaine Brown is hoping to deliver at their first attempt.
McGrath defeated two of the main contenders for the daCosta Cup title this season, Manchester High and St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS), on their way to the final and with such high-profile scalps under their belts, Brown said confidence is high heading into today’s decider at the National Stadium at 3 p.m.
“We played Port Antonio first and went to penalties. Then Manchester was another tricky game and we won 1-0. It was very close but we prevailed,” he noted.
“Then we travelled to Manchester to play STETHS basically in their backyard. The boys fought hard and were disciplined in their approach and to go into Manchester and get a win against STETHS that is some achievement.”
He said although it has been a testing journey, the boys have showed they are capable of beating more recognised opponents.
“It has been a rocky road but we have prevailed so far and we have really done well, and the boost has being massive.
“You have to guard against them being overly aroused but it can work positively for them because it has impacted their confidence, and each game they have improved every single department,” he said.
He added that it is their first final, and the aim is to be competitive and go home with the trophy.
“It is our first major final and it is an awesome feeling. They (Frome) are a very competitive team and has been scoring a lot of goals.
“They have a player (Stevaughn Spence) who has scored more than 20 goals. Tall lad, good speed, kicks with both feet and heads the ball well. So he is going to be some threat in and around the attacking area. So we will have to pay attention to him,” Brown said.
“But it will come down to moments and the team that makes the least number of mistakes. We want to be competitive as we are no longer the new kids on the block. We have reached the final, so everybody is really looking to see us produce,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Cleighton Stephens-coached Frome dispatched Happy Grove 4-0 in the semifinals, thanks to Spence’s hat trick.
Stephens said his players were excellent after that game and said they are well prepared for today’s decider.
“They were excellent. They worked for the win and we are well prepared,” he stated.
The Westmoreland-based school, who won the title in 2006, will look to Spence, who has 25 goals for the season, Uriel Lemphard, Dwayne Watt and captain and defender Devone Davis.