Wolmer’s get revenge on St Catherine

WOLMER’S BOYS’ School, Jamaica College and Excelsior booked spots in the semi-finals of the ISSA Walker Cup competition.

Wolmer’s, who await the winner of the final quarter-final between Haile Selassie and St Andrew Technical High School, had to rely on the dreaded penalty kicks to complete a 5-4 victory over St Catherine on Wednesday at The Mico University College, with 90 minutes not enough to separate the teams, despite numerous opportunities.

St Catherine, who started the brighter of the two, had their first goalscoring opportunity in the 15th minute, Rolando Redman’s strike carefully handled by goalkeeper Roan Melford.

A minute later, it was Wolmer’s chance to go ahead through Dante Dacres, who could only watch as his left-footed screamer went high over the bar.

As both teams traded opportunities, St Catherine’s Kadean Young hit the post, courtesy of a header in the 43rd minute.

In the second half, goal opportunities grew few and far between, Wolmer’s and St Catherine keeping each other at arm’s length for the majority of the game.

However, in the 78th minute, St Catherine’s Jacque Watson was called into action as some eye-pleasing one-touch football fell to his left foot as he blasted his chance above the intended target.

With the last chance of the game, Wolmer’s Dante Dacres’ right-footed strike had to be kept out by the outstretched arms of Omarion Brown.

Both teams converted their first four penalties but St Catherine’s Rajae Taylor missed, giving Wolmer’s Namain Reid the chance to send his team through to the semis.

Anthony Patrick, head coach of St Catherine, said he’s hopeful the majority of his players will return next season to have another crack at a title.

“It eventually came down to the dreaded penalties and Wolmer’s converted their five kicks. We are out now but, as a team, we have to go back and review the season. We are keeping our fingers crossed, as we will only lose two of our players if the others decide to stay,” said Patrick.

Jerome Waite, head coach of Wolmer’s, was in no mood to lose to St Catherine a third time this season.

“Congratulations to the Wolmer’s family, as this game was a game that we spent a lot of time talking about. We couldn’t afford for one team to defeat us three times. It was an exciting game but, in the end, we came out victorious,” said Waite.

Excelsior will now play Jamaica College in one semi-final after they beat Tivoli 3-1. Jamaica College earned the right to face Excelsior after a 2-0 win over Jonathan Grant.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com

Yesterday’s Results

Wolmer’s 0-0 (5 - 4) t. Catherine (penalties)

Excelsior 3-1 Tivoli

Jonathan Grant 0-2 Jamaica College

Today’s Game

3:00 p.m.: Haile Selassie vs STATHS (Haile Selassie)