Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

The two finalists in the 2009 ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel daCosta Cup will be decided this afternoon when the four survivors from the competition's quarter-final round square off in two play-to-finish semi-final games in Montego Bay and Santa Cruz, respectively.

In the games slated for 3 p.m. starts, champions St James High will take on first-time semi-finalist Manchester High in their Jarrett Park backyard, while in a clash of former champions, two-time champions STETHS will host 2007 winners Garvey Maceo on their home ground in Santa Cruz.

Based on their superior record this season and the fact that they will be playing on the familiar Jarrett Park turf, St James should start favourites against Manchester. However, with the Manchester High camp buzzing with confidence, they are expected to make it an intriguing, if not exciting contest.

With an imposing record of 13 wins, two draws and just one defeat in 16 games and quality players such as strikers Allan Ottey and Roshance Reid, midfielder Ricardo Morris and key defenders, skipper John Barrett and Keniel Kirlew, St James High's coach, Pastor Hugh Solomon, said his team is ready for the challenge.

Reaping the rewards

"We have put in a lot of hard work this season, so we are now looking forward to reaping the rewards," said Pastor Solomon. "The one-week break we got gave us a chance to rest and recuperate, so we are now ready to go out and get the job done."

While Manchester have not been hogging the spotlight, their record of 13 wins and three defeats in their 16 games is a clear indication that it would be a colossal error to underestimate them. In fact, with gifted players such Jason Johnson, Dave Morgan, Oral Johnson and Romaine Thomas, coach Barry Watson clearly has justifiable reasons not to fear playing St James at Jarrett Park.

"We have no fear of going to Jarrett Park to play St James," said Manchester High's coach Barry Watson. "We are well prepared and ready and we're definitely expecting to come away with a victory.

"The mood in the camp is quite positive and, as a result, we are confident about doing well," he added.

While St James Manchester have not crossed paths this season, they have had at least two common opponents in STETHS and Man-ning's. Manchester High suffered a 0-2 loss to STETHS, while St James defeated STETHS 3-0. In the case of Manning's, St James defeated them 3-0 while Manchester blanked them 2-0.

Real thriller

In the second semi-final at STETHS, a real thriller is anticipated as both teams are seemingly in top form. Since being reinstated in the competition after Old Harbour High pulled out after qualifying for the inter-zone round, Marcus Garvey has been blazing an impressive trail while, except for a 0-3 loss to St James, STETHS have been looking like they are ready for their third lien on the coveted cup.

While their overall record of nine wins, five draws and two defeats looks less than imposing, their record of four wins and two draws since being reinstated is a clear indication that Garvey Maceo have now hit top form.

With players such as Keniel King, Andrew Vanzie, Kenroy Thomas, Mikhail Howell and Durrant McLeod, coach Jeffrey Hewitt should have no reason to be worried.

Respectable record

"We have had a good record playing at STETHS over the years and we are not at all worried about playing the STETHS team there," said coach Hewitt. "We are going there with one intention and that is to win and we are as ready as can be."

However, fresh from a 2-0 win against the previously unbeaten Glenmuir team in their last game, the usually free-flowing STETHS team is ready for Garvey Maceo. With their respectable record of 11 wins, two draws and three defeats, the advantage of playing at home and enviable talent such as Deshawn Brown, Denmark Gillings and Alex Graham will make STETHS hard to beat.

"The players are in a buoyant mood, the spirit in the camp is great and we are just looking forward to the game," said STETHS coach Andrew Edwards. "I have no doubt that once we play to our full potential, we will win this game."