Munro aim to go all the way

IN RECENT years, topping Zone B would have been a big deal for Munro College but after losing in the final last year in conditions they felt were, at the very least, questionable, going all the way is the objective this year.

After qualifying for the finals of the daCosta Cup last year after many seasons of futility, Munro lost 4-0 to long-time rivals Cornwall College on a field that was left ankle high in water in parts after Jarrett Park had been soaked by torrential rains earlier in the day.

The rain and muddy field conditions were blamed for the debacle and this season, coach Neil Harrison took his charges to Montego Bay to take part in the St. James Under-20 Lennox Lewis tournament and said the experience was a good one. Harrison said they played four games in heavy rain and won two and will be prepared this time around for that eventuality.

It will take more than adaptation to rainy conditions for the Munro team to reap success however. Harrison said a number of players were unable to return to school because of 'poor' results in external examinations. Those students, he said, had passed up to five CXC subjects but fell short of Munro's minimum standard of six passes.

Despite losing a number of top players, Munro will return at least seven players from their starting team last year including national Under-17 captain Copeland Lewis, goalkeeper Marlon Edwards, midfielder Orane Barrett and left fullback Kadian Marti. Additionally, they will also have another nine players who were in last season's squad returning.

Harrison said he was "always optimistic" about the team's chances as it had "been knocking at the door since 1998" and after falling at the final hurdle last year, was "hoping to make amends" this time around.

Pre-season preparations have been going well for Munro, Harrison also said as the St. James tournament gave his side valuable game-situation training.

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