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Charlemont, Petersfield to seek glory in Francis KO final

Published:Thursday | November 15, 2018 | 12:00 AMKavarly Arnold/Gleaner Writer
Kavarly Arnold
Khamali Burley of Petersfield High School (left) attempting to dribble away from Port Antonio High School's Okeitho James in their semifinal encounter of the ISSA/WATA Ben Francis Knockout Cup at the Juici Park, yesterday. Petersfield won 3-0.

Western Bureau:

Charlemont High and Petersfield High will meet in the 2018 ISSA-WATA Ben Francis KO final after scoring contrasting wins in the semi-finals at Juici Park in Clarendon yesterday.

First time finalists Charlemont survived numerous attacks from former champions Lennon High to earn a 1-0 win while Petersfield outclassed Port Antonio High 3-0.

Kavi Meeks, coach of Charlemont, admitted they were a bit lucky to survive the waves of attack and numerous opportunities that Lennon created after Howard Barker had given his team an 18th lead which turned out to be the winner.

To be honest, yes, I think we are lucky but it's part of the game of football. I think the school being in the semifinals for the first time played on the minds of the players. I think we panicked and didn't manage to execute on the day. This could have cost us but all in all, a win is a win," said Meeks.

The Charlemont coach said they were looking forward to bringing home their first silverware.

"It would mean so much to us that words can't explain," Meeks added.

In the opening match, a double strike from Khamali Burley helped Petersfield to roll over their opponents.

Burley who had not scored since the first round of the daCosta Cup netted in the 25th and 65th minutes. Shewayne Barton got the other goal for Petersfield.

Following his heroics Burley said he had to improve at this stage of the competition.

"It means a lot to me and the team because we really needed it today so I had to step up and help. We really want this because our school has never won a title so it would be a wonderful experience for the school community and team for us to win our first title," Burley said.

Coach of Petersfield, Maurice Duncan, applauded the performance of his team and had special praise for Burley.

"Early in the season, he missed a lot. At one point, we put him on the bench to see if it would make a difference with him as a substitute but it didn't work. However, we had to go all out and we knew he could do it (score the goals) so we kept him out there.

"It was a collective effort, all the players put in their part and he just put the icing on the cake. I'm really pleased, first time in a final with three goals in the semi-final, what more can I ask for."