McGrath High are into their first ever ISSA/Wata daCosta Cup final after coming an early goal down to maul first-time semi-finalists Ocho Rios High 6-1 in the semi-finals played at the national stadium on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024.
Shane Pusey was the show’s star, scoring four times to lead the St Catherine-based school into the final set for Saturday at the same venue.
It was an anti-climatic ending for Ocho Rios High, who had their best-ever season in the competition, getting to the last four for the first time and also qualifying for and winning a game in the Champions Cup competition.
An exciting team, Ocho Rios went out with a whimper, conceding 11 goals in their last two games, beaten 5-1 by Glenmuir High in the Champions Cup semis and Wednesday’s results, conceding 11 goals in their previous two games.
Keanu Reid gave Ocho Rios High a good start when he scored in the 6th minute. His shot was redirected past goalkeeper Orlando Griffiths for his 25th goal of the season.
That would be it for the St Ann team, as McGrath High, who were in their second semi-finals after winning the Ben Francis Cup last season, took over and drew level a minute later with an own goal.
Farrel Tucker gave McGrath High the lead in the 10th minute when he scored from the penalty spot after Ashawn Harris, who had scored the own goal, fouled Jimm Mitchell in the 18-yard box.
Pusey scored his first, making the score 3-1 in the 22nd minute. He then scored three more in the second half, in the 48th, 54th, and in time added, as he ripped the Ocho Rios defense to shreds.
