Corinaldi, Emmanuel Christian to clash in all-island battle royale
Published:Sunday | October 16, 2022 | 12:12 AMOrane Buchanan - Staff Reporter
EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN Academy (ECA) are the 2022 Champions of the urban leg of the Junior Cup following their 4-0 victory over Rousseau Primary yesterday at the Constant Spring football field.
The Zone 4 table toppers carried over their rich run of form, storming to a 2-0 lead within the first 10 minutes of action as talisman Nathan Royal, who copped the tournaments leading goalscorer award, enjoyed a brace, as did his teammate Dejuan Harvey.
The victory meant an undefeated run for Emmanuel, who only conceded two goals in the tournament.
Head coach of the winning team Gregory Jones said despite the scoreline, the game was close.
“I’m feeling ecstatic, it’s a big thing for us to be the 2022 Junior Cup champions. The scoreline is not reflective of the quality that was displayed here today. We’re extremely happy with how the boys responded to the tournament, in fact, we conceded two goals in the entire competition, so they played extremely well,” said Jones.
Despite coming out on the losing end, head coach of Rousseau Primary, Devon Smith, was proud.
“I’m very proud of them. I realised that they were a bit weary. My boys play football like crazy, at home, in the night they’re also playing, so they entered the final leg weary, but they did well and I’m proud of them. I want to lift my hat to the organisers, because they are going in the right direction and I want to be a part of this. Kudos to them (FYI Consultancy Group) and I want to make the step with them,” said Smith.
Member of the organising committee, Calvin Hunter, was pleased with both the display of personal development and level of football on show throughout the tournament.
“We saw some great football and youth development happening in front our very eyes. It’s early in the season for them (participating schools) and they used this tournament to prepare them for the JISA (Jamaica Independent Schools’ Association) competition.
“That worked like a charm having primary and preparatory teams coming together. It also gave them an opportunity to play amongst their peers, which they don’t normally get the chance to do. It was motivational, trying your best and we saw them play good football and learning at this youth development league.” said Hunter.
The victory also meant Emmanuel Christian Academy will go up against last weekend’s rural champions Corinaldi Avenue Primary, which will be played at the Constant Spring Football field in a winner-takes-all fixture for a cash prize of $150,000.