❒ Dark Blues edge Light Blues for first Walker Cup

Robert Bailey, Star Writer

It was joy and happiness for the hundreds of Jamaica College's (JC) spectators who braved yesterday afternoon's rain to witness their team win a first Inter-Secondary Schools Association (ISSA)/Pepsi/Digicel Walker Cup at the Constant Spring Sports Complex.

JC defeated defending Manning Cup champions St George's College 5-4 on penalties, this after both teams had earlier played to a thrilling 2-2 draw, at the end of full and extra time.

point-blank shot

JC, who had previously lost eight finals, began the match confidently, and were rewarded in the 14th minute when Kenrick Revees fired home a powerful point-blank shot past George's goalkeeper Windell Reid.

However, two minutes later, McKaully Tulloch gave St George's the equaliser, with a powerful close-range shot, which went like a rocket past custodian Marlon Johnson, who was well beaten at his near post. JC was gifted goal their second goal when striker Ashani Walker's weak long range effort went through the hands of Reid and into the back of the net in the 33rd minute.

The Neville 'Bertis' Bell-coached St George's fought back strongly and were rewarded ten minutes later, through their playmaker Marvin Morgan, who fired home a spectacular 25-yard shot, which left Johnson well beaten.

The second half failed to live up to the first period's excitement and both teams were unable to create any meaningful scoring opportunities, which resulted in the match heading into extra time.

St George's came out looking the much better side in the extra time period, and thought they had taken the lead when Tulloch 35-yard powerhouse shot was denied by the inside of the crossbar. Two minutes later, Tulloch missed an easy clear-cut opportunity, in front of goal.

Walker, Conroy Johnson, Theo Campbell, Nicholas Scott and Linsworth Daley were the scorers for JC in the penalty kicks. For St George's, Deshawn Forbes, the final kicker in the shoot-out, sent his shot high over the crossbar, this after Tulloch, Johnson Allison, Carl Reid and Marvin Morgan had scored.

Alfred Henry, coach of JC, who were runner-up in last year's competition, said he is proud of his team's achievement.

"I am not familiar with the history of JC, but I think I have a group of guys who are wonderful," said Henry, who has been in charge of the team for the past five seasons. "I could not have asked for more than what they did today and I think they deserve the win," he added.

Meanwhile Bell, coach of St George's, said his team gave it their best shot.

"I think we gave up a couple of soft goals, but we fought back and played hard but when it comes down to penalties anything can happen," Bell said.

Bell added they are looking forward to defending their Manning Cup title.

"We now have one competition to concentrate on so we have to go after the Manning Cup," he added.