THE contenders have separated themselves from the pretenders and it's now serious business as of today when the Sports Plus/Pepsi Manning Cup competition gets into high gear with the second stage.
Of the 34 schools which were involved in the hunt for supremacy in early September only 12 have survived including champions Tivoli Comprehen-sive, who are fancied to defend their 1999 crown.
Tivoli Comprehensive open their second-round campaign against Norman Manley Comprehensive in the first game of a doubleheader at Ferdie Neita Park in Portmore at 1:30; followed by a Donald Quarrie/Trench Town showdown at 3:30.
In the city, nine-time champion Wolmer's and St. Anne's square off in a 3:30 match at Campion College.
The contenders are divided into three groups of which four teams (winners and the best second placed) will advance to the November 11 semi-final playoff.
Tivoli Comprehensive lead Group 1 which includes Donald Quarrie, Trench Town and Norman Manley. Group 2 comprises St. Anne's, Kingston College, Wolmer's and Denham Town and in Group 3 there are Camperdown, Clan Carthy, Dunoon and Jamaica College.
The Portmore doubleheader looks interesting and the fact that four teams noted for their attacking strength will be out to get a good start speaks volumes for what could be in store.
Tivoli Comprehensive advanced with the best record in a season where they averaged four goals per game. The west Kingston school won all 10 of their Manning Cup matches during which they have pumped in 40 goals and only conceded six. Star striker Rucka DaCosta, fresh from a hat-trick against Clan Carthy in a Walker Cup game on October 20, has scored a high percentage of his school's goals but will have to be at his best against Norman Manley's defenders who have performed well this season.
Red-hot Donald Quarrie Comprehensive and the improved Trench Town should have a close battle.
Donald Quarrie started the season with a 1-0 victory over Denham Town and since then have impressed and boast an undefeated record. Their run to this stage can best be described as a fairytale especially after dismissing highriding Camperdown 2-1 in a Walker Cup quarter-final game.
By Melton Williams
Staff Reporter
TODAY'S GAMES
Tivoli Comprehensive v. Norman Manley Comprehen-sive at Ferdie Neita Park at 1:30.
Donald Quarrie v. Trench Town at Ferdie Neita Park at 3:30.
Wolmer's v. St. Anne's at Campion College at 3:30.
