CChampions! Clarendon College overcome odds to win daCosta Cup

Ten man Clarendon College were crowned 2018 ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup champions after defeating Cornwall College 2-1 in the final, in Cornwall's own backyard, at the Montego Bay Sports Complex last night.

The boys from Chapelton, Clarendon, dedicated their eighth hold on the daCosta Cup title to legendary former coach Winston Chung-Fah, who passed last month. Chung-Fah had led the school to its first title in 1977. Then, Clarendon's current coach, Lenworth 'Teacha' Hyde was the school's top player. Now, he has a place in the history books as the first person to win the prestigious trophy as a player, then as a coach.

Clarendon took the game by storm from the first whistle, having Cornwall under siege, but failing to hit the target.

However, Clarendon's flow of attack was dampened in the 14th minute when their goalkeeper, Tafari Chambers, was shown the red card by referee Oshane Nation, for handling the ball outside the box.

Substitute keeper Alston Cork came in and looked jittery, but Cornwall failed to capitalise on their man advantage - despite even having an empty goal on one occasion.

Down to 10 men, but up on adrenaline and steely resolve, Clarendon kept pushing for the opener and came close when Ricardo McIntosh rattled Cornwall's upright in the 41st minute.

BREAKTHROUGH

But Clarendon's breakthrough came nine minutes into the second half. National under-17 player Nicque Daley powered his way past two defenders' and with the tightest of odds against him, and the tightest of angles to shoot from, blasted the ball towards the near post, and although Cornwall goalkeeper Peter Sinclair got a hand to it, it was not enough to prevent Clarendon taking the lead.

Cornwall got back into the game in the 74th minute when Clarendon defender Sanjay Williams deflected the ball beyond Cork and into his own net.

With five minutes to go, and the Cornwall fans looking for a penalty shoot-out, Clarendon ensured the game would end in regulation time. Lamar Walker, the shortest player on the pitch, outjumped his marker to meet a well-placed corner kick, and put away his header to give central Jamaican football fans the bragging rights of which team is the superior 'CC'.