- Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
Charlie Smith's leading marksman, Marcelino Blackburn, surrounded by teammates, holds the Walker Cup after his team's 1-0 win over Kingston College in the final at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.
Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
AFTER A DISAPPOINTING end to their 2002 Manning Cup campaign, Charlie Smith bounced back to win the Corporate Area schoolboys' consolation title, the Walker Cup, with a 1-0 victory over Kingston College in the final played at Tony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.
Kimarley Campbell scored the game's lone goal in the 38th minute to give his team its second hold on the Walker Cup which is contested by the top eight Manning Cup teams.
"The team really put up a fight today, Kingston College created two clear chances and failed to capitalise - one was rather unlucky, however we looked the better team today," a happy Charlie Smith coach, Jerome Waite, said.
"What we were aiming for this season (Manning Cup) we felt short of, so we needed to get this as a consolation," Waite said.
After a placid first half in which not much took place, Campbell surprised all when he climbed high to head home a right-side cross in the 38th minute. Despite what looked like a clear offside trap set by KC's Nygel Richards, Charlie Smith were awarded their first goal.
On the stroke on halftime, KC had a good chance to tie the game but poor finishing by Ainsworth Fyffe scuttled their efforts.
Upon resumption, KC had the first opportunity to score but Leroux Lothian was denied by the crossbar. Charlie Smith then took the attack to their opponents consistently.
Charlie's leading goal scorer, Marcelino Blackburn, made a mess of things when he allowed KC's keeper Elwing Cameron to make two point-blank saves from close range in quick succession.
Waite, who also coaches National Premier League team Arnett Gardens, said they won the game from the midfield.
A very disappointed Kingston College coach, Stratton Palmer, said he didn't mind Charlie Smith winning the Cup but was critical of the officials.
"It should not come down to whether the official made a mistake, and a mistake which everyone in the stands saw. Let the teams decide the game on the field of play with their skills," Palmer said, while referring to the goal which Campbell scored.
