Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Garvey Maceo will be aiming to book a place in the semi-finals of the 2007 ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel daCosta Cup this afternoon, as they put their 17-game unbeaten record on the line against Cornwall College in a second round Group One quarter-final fixture at Jarrett Park, in Montego Bay.

The Jeffrey Hewitt-coached Garvey Maceo, coming off an impressive 6-0 first round victory against Fair Prospect on Thursday, are now considered red-hot favourites to complete the coveted rural double - Ben Francis KO and daCosta Cup - having already won the Ben Francis title.

"We believe we are well on course in our bid to win the daCosta Cup," Hewitt told The Gleaner, following his team's demolition job on Fair Prospect. "Confidence is extremely high among the players and the coaching staff."

While Garvey Maceo look almost invincible with their imposing record, Cornwall College, which showed much guts in their come-from-behind first round 1-1 draw against Manchester High, cannot be slighted, especially if skipper Edward Campbell and prolific striker Radcliffe Hall report in top form.

Rusea's, which is most anxious to make amends for their loss to Garvey Maceo in the Ben Francis KO final, will definitely step into the semi-final if they are able to conquer reigning champions Glenmuir in their Group Two clash at St. Elizabeth Technical High School.

The Anthony 'Follies' Williams-coached Rusea's, which lead the group with three points, look a safe bet to advance. However, Glenmuir could be left out in the cold if they fail to win, having put themselves in somewhat of a hole with their first round 1-1 draw against Clarendon College.

'not at our best'

"We are aiming to improve on our performance against Munro because even though we won the game, we were not at our best," said coach Williams, in looking ahead to taming the champions. "We will definitely be fully focused and ready for this game."

In the other two scheduled games this afternoon, potential do-or-die situations are also facing Munro College and Clarendon College, who will meet at Brancourt, in Clarendon; and Fair Prospect and Manchester High, who will face-off at Carder Park, in Portland. While a draw could be a possible lifesaver for any or all of these four teams, a defeat should be fatal. In the Munro-Clarendon College clash, fans can expect a dazz-ling contest, as on their day, both teams are known to show championship winning qualities. While Manchester should start favourites against Fair Prospect, they cannot be complacent as their opponents are known to spring surprises.

"We have no choice but to win today," said Munro's coach Hopeton Gilchrist. "We intend to throw everything we have into this game."