Rusea's bow into action

Western Bureau:

Former daCosta Cup standard-bearers Rusea?s High will bow into action this afternoon against Merlene Ottey High in a Group B encounter, one of 29 scheduled matches.

The other match in the group will see 2003 champions Frome Technical travelling to Hanover, where they will meet Green Island High.

The ?Russians? will be keen on demonstrating their superior programme now being coordinated by Aaron Lawrence. The former Reggae Boyz goalkeeper took over coaching duties after the school and its successful coach Anthony ?Follies? Williams parted ways earlier this year.

Williams and his lifelong friend Emerson ?Diggy? Henry were the architects of Rusea?s 10 daCosta Cup titles and Lawrence knows he has huge shoes to fill.

?It?s a big deal coaching a school such as Rusea?s High. It has a long and rich history in the sport, multiple titles in both the daCosta and Ben Francis Cups and I want to continue along those same lines,? he told The Gleaner.

perennial rivals

While Lawrence?s team look to secure the three points from Merlene Ottey, their perennial rivals, Frome, will no doubt face a sterner test when they tackle Green Island High.

Frome?s coach Marvin Quarry is confident of a good start, telling The Gleaner recently his players know what delivering a good performance first time out will mean to the long season.

?We want the title back, STETHS and other schools stand in our way, but the journey really begins against Green Island and we hope to leave there with a good result,? said Quarry.

Much will depend on their captain.

?If I can get to 32 goals or near that, Frome will be in the hunt seriously for a second title,? Jermaine Clarke said.

?I will be trying my best to lead from the front and possibly score against this Green Island team,? he said.

Old Harbour 1 Kemps Hill 0

Vere Tech 2 Central High 0

Tacius Golding 2 Foga Road 0

St Mary Tech 2, Islington 1

Oracabessa 0 St Mary High 0

Clarendon College 2 Edwin Allen 1

Group B

Merlene Ottey vs Rusea?s

Green Island vs Frome Tech

Group C

Spot Valley vs William Knibb

Muschett vs Herbert Morrison

Group I

Steer Town vs Brown?s Town