McGrath relaxed ahead of tough Glenmuir test

THE QUARTER-FINALS of the ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup resume today with two matches, and Jermaine Thomas, coach of McGrath High School, says his team won’t make too many adjustments going into an encounter away to Glenmuir High School in Clarendon at 3 p.m.

While Thomas has admitted the defending Ben Francis Knockout champions will find Glenmuir tough opponents, he still wants them to have fun.

“It is about having fun, irrespective of how serious the game might be. It is going to be important for them to really relax, play freely without the pressure, and enjoy the game.

“It is a Glenmuir team, so you want to be very disciplined and organised. They throw a lot of punches offensively and they will hurt you if you allow them to. [Today], for me, it is more mental, psychological and tactical at this stage. I tell the boys to express themselves and be confident,” Thomas said.

He continued: “Once they internalise it too much, then it becomes a problem. Some nervousness will be there but, once they allow themselves to play freely without the pressure and can manage and really express themselves, that is what I want.”

Three-time champions Glenmuir are the most feared team at this stage and favourites to win it all. They are atop Group A with three points after a thrilling 4-3 comeback win against Frome Technical on Saturday.

McGrath, on the other hand, are tied on a point with St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) after a 1-1 draw on Saturday in St Elizabeth.

Anything outside of a win could put McGrath in danger of not making the semi-final.

On the other hand, Glenmuir could book their place in the final four and a place in the Champions Cup with a win, but Andrew Peart, coach, believes the game will prove difficult.

“It is two really good teams and we have to ensure that we bring our best game. We need the right attitude, technical skills, and the right mentality to control the game and gain the advantages that we want to. It is preparing for the defending Ben Francis champions, who have retained a lot of their players. Many of those players have gained additional experience by playing other school leagues. If you look at their form this season, they have only lost one game against Central High,” Peart said.

“The experiences that the leaders of this team have faced are what motivates them. You can see their growth, year by year. The desire has increased and that shared mentality, whatever it is, once there is time left in the game, they will fight,” he added.

Today’s matches

Central High vs Ocho Rios High at Wembley Centre of Excellence

Glenmuir vs McGrath High at Glenmuir High School

All games begin 3 p.m.