Excelsior, JC through to Walker Cup final four

Reigning Manning Cup champions Excelsior High and Jamaica College (JC) booked their places in the semi-finals of the 2026 ISSA Walker Cup knockout competition after victories over Wolmer’s Boys’ School and Eltham High, respectively.

Excelsior defeated Wolmer’s 2-0, while JC edged Eltham 2-1.

The winners join Mona High and Kingston College (KC) in the race for schoolboy football glory.

In the feature match of the double-header at Stadium East, Rivaldo Murray opened the scoring for Excelsior in the 38th minute before Damarley Williams doubled their advantage in the 68th.

Earlier, JC secured their semi-final spot after overcoming Eltham in a closely contested encounter.

Eltham took the lead just before half-time through an unfortunate own goal by defender Jaquan Brown, who attempted to head the ball back to his goalkeeper.

JC restored parity early in the second half through Rochard Clarke’s diving header in the 46th minute before snatching victory in the dying moments when Ajani Campbell finished from a corner delivery.

In the feature contest, both teams started brightly, but Excelsior looked the more threatening side in the early exchanges.

They came close to taking the lead on the half-hour mark when Murray struck the crossbar before the goalkeeper gathered the rebound.

Wolmer’s nearly capitalised on an Excelsior error when goalkeeper Jamari Gordon misjudged a ball in the air, presenting Kyle Hussey with an opportunity.

However, Aldeano Walters reacted quickly to clear the danger before Hussey could take advantage.

Excelsior eventually found the breakthrough, with Murray making amends for his earlier miss.

Left unmarked inside the penalty area, he headed home from point-blank range after a free kick was delivered into the box.

Wolmer’s emerged for the second half with greater attacking intent, led by captain Romie Henry from midfield, but were unable to break down the Excelsior defence.

Habbie Mohammed came close to extending Excelsior’s lead against the run of play, but his long-range effort drifted wide.

Wolmer’s continued to press, and Jude Davis forced a diving save from Gordon in the 63rd minute with a strike from distance that appeared destined for the top corner.

However, the Wolmerians’ attacking approach left them exposed at the back, and Excelsior took full advantage.

On a swift counterattack, Mohammed released Williams, who fired a low shot beyond the goalkeeper at the near post.

Williams later had an opportunity to make it 3-0 after creating space for himself, but his effort sailed well wide of the target.

Despite several half-chances for Wolmer’s, Excelsior held firm to secure the win.

The Walker Cup semi-finals are scheduled for Friday, October 9, with JC taking on Mona High and Excelsior facing KC.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com