Thu | Dec 12, 2024

William Knibb, CC renew daCosta rivalry today

Published:Tuesday | November 16, 2021 | 12:10 AMKavarly Arnold/Gleaner Writer
Cornwall College’s Tavin Leslie (left) dribbles the ball away from his opponent, Irwin High’s Tannoy Dunkley, during an ISSA DaCosta Cup match at the Irwin High School field on Saturday.
Ashley Anguin
Cornwall College’s Tavin Leslie (left) dribbles the ball away from his opponent, Irwin High’s Tannoy Dunkley, during an ISSA DaCosta Cup match at the Irwin High School field on Saturday.

Western Bureau:

Riding high after an impressive season opener, William Knibb Memorial High School are looking to keep the momentum going when they host Cornwall College (CC) in the late game of the ISSA daCosta Cup double-header in Martha Brae, Trelawny, later today.

Coach Dwight Jeremiah said Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Spot Valley was only a good start and that a win over their rivals would put them in the driver’s seat.

“The confidence will help to get that momentum to keep going in what is a truncated season and no chance to slip up. Cornwall College and William Knibb, all the way back to in the ‘80s, had their rivalry in Zone A,” Jeremiah said. “I expect a renewal of that rivalry now that we are back in Zone A. I don’t expect anything short of that intensity when we both take the field. We will ride the momentum.

“For me as a coach, in our preparation, it has always been more us as a team and what we want to do. There isn’t much to know about the opponent, it’s not that type of season that provided an adequate preseason. Saturday’s scoreline doesn’t say much as it could have been down to a tougher opponent. We expect them to be very difficult, as they always come with a chip on their shoulder.”

CC had a shaky start in their opener after having to come from a goal down to win 2-1 against a 10-man Irwin High School side on Saturday.

Jeremiah, who was reluctant to label Zone A as the “group of death”, said being up against three former champions for just two qualifying spots means it is important for them to get out in front.

“For sure, we know it’s a difficult group. There are teams here, even if not on current form, but because of culture and history, will be up for it. This is the only group with eight teams. The key is to get an early start so for sure we are targeting two wins from two.”

In the early game, 2008 champions St James High School, who came out on the better end of a 4-2 win on Saturday, will be taking on Spot Valley High School, who will be looking to fix things at the back, after allowing four goals in their opener at the same venue.

sports@gleanerjm.com

Other daCosta Cup games today:

Maldon v Holland

Edwin Allen v Claude McKay

Irwin v Herbert Morrison

Mount St Joseph v Lacovia

Lennon v Clarendon College