Kemps Hill High sent a message saying that they will be contenders after holding defending champions Garvey Maceo High to a 2-2 draw in the opening game of the ISSA DaCosta Cup a Sabina Park on Saturday. 

The Dwight Smith-coached Kemps Hill led their close neighbours twice but could not come away with their first win over the two-time champions. It was a disappointing start for the champions who were unbeaten all of last season in the daCosta Cup and ended a 13 games win streak in the competition. Kemps Hill took the lead in the 24th minute when Conroy Burke tapped in from about two feet but Nevaughn Myrie pulled level in the 38th minute when goalkeeper Raheem Reid dived over the ball. 

Jerome Donalds restored Kemps Hill’s lead in the 48th minute when his long-range shot deflected off a defender and flew past goalkeeper Junior Stone. But Garvey Maceo rallied once more through Orlando Lawrence who ensured his team would earn a point.