NEW FORMAT TO CHAMPIONS CUP, WALKER CUP AND BEN FRANCIS CUP
ISSA Introduces New First Round to Champions Cup and Changes How Schools Advance Into Walker and Ben Francis Cup Competitions
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Thursday, October 24, 2018 The Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association is rolling out new changes to the format of the Champions Cup (formerly Super Cup), Walkers Cup and Ben Francis Cup competitions. The changes are in line with their goal of raising the profile of the Manning Cup and DaCosta Cup competitions.
New First Round for Champions Cup
The Champions Cup will now have an additional first round where the top eight teams from Manning Cup match up against the top eight teams from DaCosta Cup.
This is a change from the previous year which had the top four from each league face off against each other. This new round of knockout games will be played on the 2nd and 3rd of November between 16 teams.
Champions Cup Draw
Chairman of the DaCosta Cup Mr Linvern Wright explained that the Champions Cup Draw will see minor changes as the qualifying teams will be matched through a process of pulling their names from four separate pots. Pot 1 consists of the top four seeded teams from Manning Cup and will be drawn against Pot 4, the bottom four seeded teams in the DaCosta Cup.
Pots 2 and 3, the bottom four seeded Manning Cup teams and top four seeded DaCosta Cup teams respectively will then be drawn together to finalise the matchups in the first round.
The Champions Cup draw will be held on October 31 at 6:00 PM and will be carried live by Sportsmax.
Champions Cup Schedule
- First Round, November 2 & 3
- Quarterfinals, November 10
- Semifinals, November 16
- Finals, November 24
Walker Cup Format and Schedule
The Walker Cup will have the eight losing teams from the Manning Cup second round face off against each other for the title.
- Quarterfinals, November 1
- Semifinals, November 8
- Finals, November 14
Ben Francis Cup Format and Schedule
The Ben Francis Cup will see the 3rd and 4th place from each group of the Dacosta Cup Quarter Finals face off against each other for the title.
- Quarterfinals, November 7
- Semifinals, November 15
- Finals, November 23
ISSA explained that the new format provides a better competition experience for the teams as they will play fewer matches leading up to the finals. This break is welcomed as in previous years the schedule became stressful on teams who made it to the final rounds of all the competitions.
According to ISSA Vice President Mr Keith Wellington, the schools were integral in making these changes and are supportive.
Media inquiries
Andrew Walcott / [email protected] / 876.412.7475
