Clarendon make statement with win over Ocho Rios

Defending champions Clarendon College booked their place in the ISSA Ben Francis Cup knockout quarter-finals with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ocho Rios High School at the Drax Hall Sports Complex yesterday.

Clarendon will face Manchester High in the lasst eight after Jahiem Senior and Justin Hayles scored in the first half to secure the champions’ progression.

Senior broke the deadlock in the sixth minute before national representative Hayles doubled Clarendon’s advantage in the 43rd minute, putting the defending champions firmly in control.

Clarendon assistant coach Nicholas Salter said the victory came from sticking to a game plan centred on playing simple football, frustrating Ocho Rios and capitalising on scoring opportunities.

“We came here with our objective and game plan to just play our ball. Just get our opponents frustrated and take our chances when they come,” said Salter.

“It was challenging, but our objectives were met, and we played simple. We kept it simple, and that was our game.”

Salter said Clarendon, as defending champions, are determined to retain their title and viewed the performance against Ocho Rios as a statement to the rest of the competition.

“We are hoping, willing, and need to go back-to-back as champions. We sent a message today to the rest of the league that we are here,” he said.

Ocho Rios assistant coach Robinson Lettman admitted that his team did not consistently execute its game plan.

“We came here with a game plan and we did not stick to it. But you know, such is football, and it never worked out,” said Lettman.

“Our ultimate aim now is to focus on the daCosta Cup because the Ben Francis is out of the way. We need to improve on basically a few things, like the mental aspect of the game and accurate passing,” he added.

Clarendon took the lead early when Senior powered the ball into the back of the net in the sixth minute.

Ocho Rios tried to respond, but Clarendon remained organised defensively and limited their attacking opportunities.

Hayles then doubled Clarendon’s advantage just before half-time, slotting past Ocho Rios goalkeeper Malek Gayle.

Ocho Rios showed glimpses of attacking intent in the second half, but Clarendon’s disciplined defence prevented them from getting on the scoresheet.

Clarendon created several chances to extend their lead but were unable to add to their tally.

Meanwhile, in other round-of-16 matches, Old Harbour High thrashed Garvey Maceo High 4-1 to secure their place in the quarter-finals, while Munro College rallied to beat Manning’s School 2-1.

Yesterday’s Results

Munro College 2-1 Manning’s School

Porus 0-1 Denbigh High

Dinthill Technical 3-0 Bellefield High

Kemps Hill 0-0 Glenmuir High (Glenmuir won 4-3 on penalties)

McGrath High 2-1 Christiana High

Ocho Rios High 0-2 Clarendon College

Old Harbour High 4-1 Garvey Maceo High