Cornwall, Green Pond collide

Noelita Lawrence-Ricketts

Former Inter Zone round qualifiers, Green Pond High, have set up a big clash against city rivals Cornwall College in one of 12 match-ups on later today (Wednesday) as action intensifies in the ISSA/WATA da’Costa Cup Schoolboy Football Competition, with Zones ‘A’ and ‘D’ active.

The much-anticipated Zone ‘A’ encounter is expected to be a close encounter and is set to play out at the home of 11-times champion Cornwall, which will see the winner maintaining their stance at the summit and with a perfect win record.

Both opened their campaigns with wins and while Green Pond looked impressive, Cornwall College had to rally against a determined Irwin before picking up the three points.

Green Pond, who won their opener by a wide margin, currently occupy top spot in the zone on goal difference over Cornwall.

The big match-up has much interest as Cornwall will be out to maintain their dominance of Zone ‘A’, which has seen them winning 39-games in 4-years, 2015 being the last time they dropped points.

Green Pond last had victory against CC some five years, back in 2014, when they snagged a 3-1 win.

During that period, Cornwall have claimed 12 wins and a draw, losing once, while hitting the back of the net 35 times, to Green Pond’s nine.

Elsewhere in the zone, 2008 champions, St. James High, and Irwin, both beaten in their opening games, will be looking to rebound when the two come face-to-face at Jarrett Park.

Last season’s one-game giant killers Maldon, who were also on the receiving end, play their first home game, entertaining the dangerous and unpredictable Anchovy.

Zone ‘B’ will also see some interesting matches with 11-times champions Rusea’s in action against talented Cambridge, and last year’s beaten semi-finalists and former champion, Frome Technical rivals Green Island.

Merlene Ottey engage Hopewell High in another affair, both seeking a first win.

Just two games are on in Zone ‘C’ with ex-champions Herbert Morrison Technical High hunting a first win, playing at home to Cedric Titus, as Holland High face a livelylooking Spot Valley at their home in Trelawny.

William Knibb will be left idle due to the withdrawal of Muschett High.

Meantime, Godfrey Stewart, the 2005 champions, and with a youthful aggregation, play their first match of the season when they line up against Belmont, and Manning’s, go for back-to-back wins when they challenge Maud McLeod who are also after a second straight three points.

Petersfield, whose first game was postponed, face a wounded Grange Hill in another game in the zone.