Clarendon teams’ successes against STETHS ‘inspires and motivates’ Denbigh

DENBIGH High School drew inspiration from the success of other Clarendon-based schools to stun former champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) 2-1 and book their place in the round of 16 of the ISSA Ben Francis knockout tournament on Saturday.

The underdogs produced a determined performance in their round-of-32 encounter at STETHS Sports Complex, with coach Garfield Carney revealing that his players were motivated by the achievements of other Clarendon teams’ success in previous years.

History

“We look back at history and look at Clarendon-based teams like Clarendon College, Garvey Maceo and Glenmuir High who have won at STETHS. We knew it would be tough, but we tried our best to use those games to inspire and motivate the team,” said Carney.

“We scored early, which was one of the plans … to get the crowd out of the game as quickly as possible, which we accomplished. When we got the second goal, it made things even a little bit better for us,” he added.

Denbigh’s Kenardo Smith scored from the penalty spot in the eighth minute before Markland Williams added another goal in the 20th minute. Timari Roach scored for STETHS.

It was the first meeting between the schools at the under-19 level.

Denbigh will face Porus High in the round of 16, as Porus secured a historic 1-0 victory over Maggotty High to reach that stage for the first time.

Reward

Porus’ coach, Marlon Muschett, said the breakthrough was a reward for the players’ commitment during the programme’s turnaround.

“If anybody deserves these giant-killing victories, it’s Porus. These boys have been through a lot over the past years, and they really worked hard to turn the programme around,” said Muschett.

“Let’s see if they can continue with this little magic thing they’ve got going on because they’re really playing well, digging in and getting the job done,” he added.

Porus’ leading goalscorer, Keneil Phillpotts, provided the decisive moment in the 35th minute, dribbling past several Maggotty defenders before firing into the back of the net.

Emphatic win

Meanwhile, defending champions Clarendon College opened their title defence in emphatic fashion, thrashing May Day High 7-0 at Clarendon College’s playing field.

Coach Devon Anderson said they were eager to finally get their campaign started under the tournament’s new format.

“It was like a kid waiting on Christmas, and it was taking so long to come. Finally, when it arrived, you’re like, ‘Yes!’” exclaimed Anderson.

“I can actually see the rust rubbing off the kids, and we are upbeat and ready to go for the next game,” he added.

National player Justin Hayles led the scoring with four goals, while Anthony Reid, Roshaun Sterling and Lashaun Harris each scored once.

Anderson admitted that Clarendon initially struggled to find their rhythm.

“Within the first 15 minutes, we were rushing it and never stuck to the game plan. After the water break, we started to play our passing game, and from there we dominated the game,” he said.

Clarendon will travel to the Drax Hall Sports Complex to face Ocho Rios High in the round of 16 after Ocho Rios defeated Morant Bay 1-0.

The round of 16 of the Ben Francis knockout begins on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the rescheduled round of 32 game between McGrath High and Central will be played today at McGrath High.

Saturday’s Results:
Frome 0 Munro 5
STETHS 1 Denbigh 2
Cornwall 4 Knox 1
Clarendon 7 May Day 0
Kemps Hill 5 Cedric Titus 0
Garvey Maceo 2 Paul Bogle 0
Manchester 8 Titchfield 0
Maggotty 0 Porus 1
Old Harbour 2 Rusea’s 1
Bellefield 1 Irwin 1
*(Bellefield won 3-2 on penalties)
Manning’s 2 Edwin Allen 1
Dinthill 4 Herbert Morrison 0
Glenmuir 14 Knockalva 0
Ocho Rios 1 Morant Bay 0
Christiana 1 Lacovia 0