Kemps Hill on the verge of history

WHEN THE ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup round of 16 continues today, one of the interesting matchups will be between Gavey Maceo and Kemps Hill.

The 3 p.m. encounter between Garvey Maceo, the hosts and runners-up in the second round in Group 8, and Kemps Hill, winners of Group 1, has the potential to create some history.

A win for Kemps Hill, who won their opening game against Alphansus Davis 5-0, would ensure they are through to the quarter-finals for the first time.

Kemps Hill have emerged as the season’s surprise package. After finishing third in their first-round zone, Kemps Hill have grown from strength to strength, first winning their second-round group, which included Cornwall College and Rusea’s, agreed title contenders, before showing dominance to put themselves in with a chance of a final-eight place.

Kiegon Mitchell, coach of Kemps Hill, said advancing would be a pleasant surprise for the school.

“To be honest, it is the first the school has ever been this far and in a position like this. Of course, we are looking to step forward. We accept it and it is a group of players that will step up and play hard. We are talking about players like Shamar Daley, Alan Banton, Junior Robinson and our goalkeeper Omario Chambers, who have been outstanding for us,” Mitchell said.

Continuing, Mitchell said, “Over the years, it has always been a battle with Garvey Maceo. It is always a tough one but we are definitely looking forward to it.”

Seeking first win

Garvey Maceo, two-time champions, will look to use their championship experience to try to look for their first win. Having drawn 0-0 with St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) on Saturday, while a win wouldn’t ensure qualification, it would go a far way with Alphansus Davis being their final opponents.

Over in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, STETHS will have to remain focused even as they host runners-up of Group 4 Alphansus Davis, who are likely still reeling from Saturday’s defeat.

The Omar ‘Rambo’ Wedderburn-coached STETHS are favourites to win but will need their captain, Deandre Barret, to give a much better performance than he did on Saturday.

Alphansus Davis cannot afford to lose, with that result meaning elimination.

In St Catherine, Dinthill Technical, victims of a 4-0 whipping by Glenmuir on Saturday, will host a not-so-happy Happy Grove, who were demolished 5-0 by Ocho Rios High.

Both teams need a win to have a fighting chance.

Glenmuir and Ocho Rios face off in a top-of-the-table clash in the other game on today.

Today’s matches

Garvey Maceo vs Kemps Hill at Foga Road

Dinthill vs Happy Grove at Dinthill

STETHS vs Alphansus Davis at STETHS Sports Complex

Glenmuir vs Ocho Rios