6 ST ANN, ST MARY, PORTLAND TEAMS REACH NEXT ROUND
The first of the six daCosta Cup teams from the northeast parishes bow into action in the Round of 32 beginning today, Tuesday, October 13, 2024.
The six teams from the parishes of St Ann, St Mary and Portland on whom the North Coast Times has been reporting extensively are: Ocho Rios and Brown’s Town, St Ann; St Mary High, St Mary; Pt Antonio, Titchfield and Happy Grove, Portland.
In fact, Port Antonio High who are up against Dinthill at Carder Park are the only outfit playing today with most of the first round of 32 games being played tomorrow, Wednesday. Port Antonio won the Zone ‘M’ handily, despite losing their first points in a draw with Titchfield in their last match.
(Shevanie Walker one of the key players for Pt Antonio High)
Only one team from St Mary made it from the first round. St Mary High are in Group 8 alongside McGrath, Christiana (winners of Zone G), and Garvey Maceo all strong teams who have gone far in previous competitions. St Mary High made it when they beat neighbours St Mary Technical two goals to nil in their final Zone ‘M’ match. Striker Oshea McKoy scored in minute 56, to get his 3rd goal for the season and winger Jevan-Tae Allen #19 sealed the deal with a 25-yard strike in the 70th min. Manager Kenroy Reid said his team felt rewarded for their efforts, though scoring has been their low point. They will get a real test on Wednesday playing away in Ewarton, St Catherine, to McGrath.
(Happy Grove are expected to do well but have a stern test Wednesday)
On Wednesday Happy Grove play Holmwood Technical (second place in Group G) at Carder Park in a big Zone 5 clash while Titchfield journeys to York in St Thomas to play a strong Paul Bogle, in Group 7. That Group is considered one of the toughest, having two previous winners Clarendon College and Glenmuir.
Ocho Rios, who finished without losing a game in their relatively weak Zone ‘K’, welcome Black River at Drax Hall.
Brown’s Town who placed second in Zone ‘K’ play away, at Jarrett Park Montego Bay against a tough Maldon side who placed second in Zone A.