Defending All-Island champion Jamaica College (JC) were held to an exciting 2-2 draw by Calabar High in the opening ISSA/Flow Manning Cup Group A game at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in St James on Saturday.
With the incomparable Junior Flemmings not in the JC team for the first time in five years, Khori Edmond stepped up to the plate with two goals.
He gave the Dark Blues a 26th minute lead before Scott Moody equalized for Calabar in the 48th minute courtesy of some poor goalkeeping from National Under-17 custodian, Jahmali Waite that allowed a crossed to slip from his grasp and over the line.
But Edmond restored JC’s advantage in the 56th minute before Romaine Rallyns earned a share of the points for Calabar in the 65th minute.
In the other Group A encounter, Tivoli Gardens High whipped St Catherine High 3-1 to assume the early lead with three points in the five-team group.
In Group D, Holy Trinity High edged St Mary’s College 1-0 while St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) whipped Penwood High 3-0.
At Heroes Circle, home team Wolmer’s Boys blanked St Jago High 1-0 in a hot-tempered Group E match in which two players were shown red cards.
Former national Under-17 and Calabar captain Jahwahni Hinds now at Wolmer’s and Kirk Samuda of St Jago, both saw straight red cards for violent conduct. The game was decided by Alphanso Gooden, who found the clincher in the 54th minute.
But it was Mona High that has assumed the early lead in Group E following their emphatic 3-0 win over Kingston High.
Many time champions Kingston College (KC) scored a crucial 2-1 win over Camperdown High in a match that will go a far way in deciding the Group G winner.
Jose Marti scored a good away 2-0 win over Waterford High 2-0 to be top of the five-team group on goal difference.
The competition continues today with nine games across three groups.
In Group B, Hydel High host Greater Porter; Haile Selassie travel to Dunoon High and Cumberland play High take on Papine High.
All eyes will be on Manning Cup favourites, St George’s College who open their season against Kingston Technical in Group F action. Eltham High will host Denham Town while Innswood tackle Ardenne High.
In Group F, Excelsior High host Ascot High; Spanish Town play Vauxhall High and Norman Manley High versus Jonathan Grant High.
