PORT ANTONIO, Portland; Oct. 26, 2024
GROVE, OCHI CARRY WEIGHT OF THEIR PARISHES
It’s a grudge match.
Ocho Rios High have not forgotten that they were dumped out of the round of 16 last season following a defeat and draw with Happy Grove High.
Coach oF Happy Grove High, Vincent Wallace remembers it well and told the North Cost Times that he believes that Ocho Rios will come seeking revenge.
(Happy Grove’s Vincent Wallace and Ocho Rios’ Eyan Kean)
Aside from Cornwall College in St James, Ochi High and Grove are the only two teams, between St James and Portland, among the elite 16 left in the daCosta Cup. The leadership of the teams feels a high responsibility to make their parishes proud.
The match is set for 3 at Carder Park, In Port Antonio, Happy Grove’s regular hunting ground.
(Two of Ocho Rios’ hit men)
Ocho Rio’s manager Eyan Kean says he remembers last year but has something prepared for Happy Grove. The Ocho Rios team are coming off a tough draw with Frome that won them second place in that group, topped by Frome.
(Protecting it. Happy Grbve)
“We went into the Lion’s Den and came away looking good,” said Kean. “He pointed out that the crowd at Llandilo in Westmoreland was overwhelmingly partisan. “The boys have never played before such a big crowd,” he told the North Coast Times. They should expect a big noisy bunch at Carder Park even though Port Antonio crowd considers Port Antonio High and Titchfield their teams. Both of those got swept away in the Group of 32.
Coach Wallace of Happy Grove has respect for the Ocho Rios team. “I know the Ocho Rios team is a well-coached team. We met them last season. We won in Ocho Rios [Drax Hall] 2-1 and at Carder Park 2-2. We knocked them out last season we know they may have some revengeful thoughts,” he told the North Coast Times.
Coach Wallace says he knows Ocho Rios haven’t lost any game.
“We have to keep up our game we know what it takes,” he said. He was unwilling to give away any strategies but said Happy Grove’s strength is midfield and attack.
Mr Keane says his team is upbeat and full of confidence after their Frome 0-0 draw, They haven’t tasted defeat all season and are not ready for that yet.
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