Robert Bailey, Freelance Reporter

Calabar's Lennox Creary. - file

The stage is set for two big clashes in tomorrow's semi-finals of the ISSA/Pepsi/ JN Manning Cup at the Harbour View Mini Stadium.

Defending champions Calabar High will take on Bridgeport High at 1:00 p.m. before Walker Cup champions Eltham High oppose Excelsior High at 3:00p.m.

Calabar went throughout the second round of the competition unbeaten after victories over Wolmer's Boys and Norman Manley High before they were held to a 0-0 draw by Waterford in their final game.

The boys from Red Hills Road will be looking to their experienced trio of Ramone Palmer, Marlon Smith and Lennox Creary, all of whom played a key role in their success last season.

Bridgeport, who last won the title in 2001, got to the last four after finishing as the best second -place team. The St. Catherine-based school will again be relying on the likes of André Clennon, Jason Watson, Richardo Martin, Theo Brown and Kenardo Forbes to get them past the defending champions.

Eltham's lifeline

Eltham got a lifeline after the forced withdrawal of Spanish Town High for using ineligible players. With the Walker Cup already safely in their grasps Eltham should start favourites against Excelsior, a team they beat 1-0 win in the semi-finals of the knockout competition.

The Gregory Allen-coached Eltham will welcome the return of captain Tremaine Stewart who was suspended for their last match. He should get good support from teammates Rayan Whyte, Dwayne Hunter, Jamoy Sibbles and Dorian Douglas.

Excelsior, back-to-back winners in 2002-2003, finished on top of Group One with seven points, after wins over Camperdown and Jonathan Grant before drawing with Bridgeport.

Alanzo Adlam, Jermaine Parris and Akeem Nelson are expected to get the goals for Excelsior.