Cornwall College make winning start
Published:Wednesday | September 14, 2022 | 10:27 PM
Kavarly Arnold/Gleaner Writer
DESPITE A below-par performance, Cornwall College (CC) kicked off their Inter-Secondary Schools' Sports Association (ISSA) daCosta Cup campaign with a 2-0 home win over Maldon yesterday.
The 12-time champions are traditionally slow starters, which was evident from a lacklustre first half that produced one real moment of excitement, from Braxton Richards' 17th-minute goal that gave CC the lead.
The hosts came out a bit better in the second half, putting together a few good patterns of play and creating a few good scoring opportunities. However, it wasn't until the 72nd minute before Jaden Jumpp netted their second to give the team some cushion.
Three minutes later, the red and gold clad boys found themselves a bit concerned after Dane Buckle was shown a straight red card for violent conduct, with an elbow to the face of an opponent on a corner kick. Despite the player advantage, Maldon didn't offer much of a threat.
Warren Barrett, assistant coach of CC, said that their performance left a lot to be desired, despite the win. He also noted that they have to be wary of their traditionally slow start.
"I'm far from satisfied. The only good thing from the game was the three points. There are a number of areas where we could have done better and we have to improve," he observed. "It wasn't all bad. We created a number of opportunities and managed to convert two. It's just the first game and hopefully we'll improve. It will be a long season so we will take it in stride," said Barrett.
Continuing, he noted: "Yes, over the years we tend to start slowly and as the season progresses the team gets better. However, you can't always follow the trend of yesteryears because it does not mean it will happen. They need to realise that when they are playing these type of opposition you have to put your foot down from early and dominate," he added.
The coach of Maldon High, Dillon Thelwell, bemoaned inadequate preparation and stage-fright for his team's demise. Still, he believes they will play better against Irwin High on Saturday.
"The performance was not that bad, but I think the boys were a bit nervous because it's the first game. We only can grow and learn from this and hopefully by the next game we can give a better account of ourselves," Thelwell said.
He added: "It is difficult for us because we were doing some work on our (playing) field. I think that was one of our downfalls because we didn't get the right preparation."
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Today's Results
St James High 0 Irwin High 1
Muschett High 1 Cedric Titus High 4
Herbert Morrison Technical 0 Spot Valley High 0
Godfrey Stewart High 4 Belmont Academy 1
Grange Hill High 1 Petersfield High 4
STETHS 2 Lacovia High 0
BB Coke High 0 Munro College 1
Guys Hill High 0 Enid Bennett High 1
Ewarton High 1 McGrath High 4