Manning’s recover from 2-0 down to retain rural U16 crown

Defending champions The Manning’s School snatched victory from the jaws of defeat when they came from 2-0 down to defeat Clarendon College 3-2 to retain their ISSA/Mighty Malt Rural Under-16 title at St Elizabeth Technical High School yesterday.

Clarendon took the lead in the 13th minute, courtesy of Justin Hayles and doubled their lead at the 51st minute with a header from Lashaun Harris.

Manning’s started their fightback in the 59th minute when Rajon McKenzie scored and 17 minutes later the scores were level with a goal from Dainton Williams. It took just another two minutes for Geovanni Pinnock to slam home what turned out to be the winning goal.

Kevin Williams, the school’s head coach, was elated with the victory.

“It has been a struggle from the start of the season. It is an overwhelming feeling,” Williams said.

“We made a tactical change after going down 2-0. We saw where Clarendon were playing side to side and then through the middle. We tried to counter that and used a more attacking player on the flank and we created three goals,” he added.

Clarendon’s coach Junior Samuels said some of his players were unwell and were not at their best late in the game.

“They tried but they are battling the flu and it took a toll on them. About 10 to 12 of them had the flu,” Samuels said.

He added, “Initially we were the dominant team but the effects of the flu kicked in big time. We were not able to lift ourselves anymore because physically we weren’t there.”

In the first half, Clarendon looked more organised while Manning’s struggled to find a rhythm. Clarendon then created big chance in the 13th minute when Hayles scored.

Manning’s started fast in the second half but a breakdown in defence came six minutes after the break and Harris scored from a corner.

The boys from Chapelton defended well but Manning’s would not be denied as they roared forward in the last 30 minutes of the game.

Manning’s will meet St Andrew Technical in the all-island decider which has been set for Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

U14 champions Glenmuir

Earlier in the afternoon, Glenmuir took home their second 2024 ISSA/Burger King Rural Under-14 title when they clipped first-time finalists Manchester High 1-0.

The teams were just seconds away from a penalty shootout when Justin Francis scored the winning goal.

Winning coach Johnoy Chambers said it was an emotional victory.

“They beat us in the round of 16, and we knew that they are a quality team, so we had to plan carefully. It was a tight game, and we just persevered more than them this time,” Chambers told The Gleaner.

He added, “It is always good to be rewarded for your hard work, and that’s what this is today.”

The win gave Glenmuir their second hold on the ISSA/Burger King Rural U14 title and sets up a date against Kingston College in the all-island decider which is also set for Wednesday, January 15, 2025.