Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:

IT WAS an afternoon of the champions at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay yesterday as Manning Cup champions Calabar and daCosta Cup winners Godfrey Stewart started their campaigns in the 2006 ISSA/Pepsi/JN schoolboy season with good wins.

In the curtainraiser, Manning Cup champions Calabar made a bold statement as goals from skipper Robert Palmer, Akeem Bennett and Marlon Smith gave then a 3-0 win over St. George's College, while in the feature game, daCosta Cup holders Godfrey Stewart clipped neighbours Mannings 1-0.

"We were not as smooth as I would have liked but a win is a win," said Calabar's coach, David Hunt, in summing up his team's win.

"Our passing game was quite good but there are a few key things that we will need to work on. However, I can't say I am not happy."

Godfrey Stewart's coach, Carl Palmer, whose team failed to beat Mannings in three meetings last year, was full of praise for his opponents at the end of their hard-fought contest. According to him, he was most surprised by the tenacity shown by the Mannings team.

"I believe the difference in the game today was the goal," said Palmer. "Mannings played a superb game and they deserve a lot of credit. They exposed a few things in my team and we definitely will have to go back to the drawing board to get things sorted out."

No surprise

In the opening game, Calabar dominated the early action and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 13th minute. A well-struck, left-side corner found skipper Palmer unmarked and his powerful header flashed past the goalkeeper, making the score 1-0.

With St. George's fighting back and creating a few chances of their own, Calabar doubled their lead in the 31st minute. On a break down the middle, Bennett capitalised on a defensive error and crashed the ball past goalkeeper Curtis Chickory, making the half-time score 2-0.

In the second half, Calabar took up where they ended the first half and had St. George's looking tame and out of sorts. They sealed the issue in the 81st minute when a splendid attack on goal created a beautiful opening for Smith, who calmly slotted home to end the contest at 3-0.

In the second game, Mannings started out at a cracking pace, forcing back Godfrey Stewart with a series of well-coordinated attacks. However, sound defending kept them away from goalkeeper Obrain Warren.

Midway through the half, Godfrey Stewart missed two glorious chances through Ricardo Rickettes and Evan Taylor. Firstly, Rickettes' overhead volley sailed inches wide and secondly, Taylor had his close-range header blocked on the goal-line.

The second half featured end-to-end action with both teams playing well. However, with a draw looking the likely outcome, Godfrey Stewart struck in the 80th minute, courtesy of a major blunder by goalkeeper Antonio James.

A speculative long-range shot by Taylor unbelievably slipped between the goalkeeper's legs and rolled into the goal, making the final score 1-0 and sending the Godfrey Stewart supporters into a screaming frenzy.

Manning Cup champions Calabar made a bold statement as goals from skipper Robert Palmer, Akeem Bennett and Marlon Smith gave then a 3-0 win over St. George's College while in the feature game, daCosta Cup holders Godfrey Stewart clipped neighbours Mannings 1-0.