Last four battle in Manning Cup

By Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporters

Traditional powerhouse teams Kingston College (KC) and Jamaica College (JC) will lock horns, while Portmore's top teams Waterford and Bridgeport battle for a place in the ISSA/Pepsi/Manning Cup finals, when all four teams meet in a double header at the Harbour View mini Stadium beginning at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow.

Thirty-four years between titles is certainly a long time for the schoolboy football team with the most titles. Jamaica College, with the Walker Cup already eluding their grasp, they will be determined to not let the same happen with the Manning Cup.

The dark blues look to have hit top form trouncing defending champions Bridgeport 4-0 to confirm their spot in the last four. JC also defeated St. Andrew Technical and secured a draw with Wolmer's to top Group One. It has also been a long wait for the purple-and-white clad Fortis team who won their last title in 1986. Sleepers this season, the North Street team, will be dangerous opponents, having shown themselves to be a resilient team who have been able to find the net at just the right time. Kingston College topped Group Three, following wins over Calabar, Charlie Smith and a draw with Norman Manley. Bitter rivals whenever they encounter each other at any level, tomorrow's affair, which kicks off at 3:00 p.m. should be a thriller.

The latter rounds of the competition have certainly been a challenge for defending champions Bridgeport and they seem to be nowhere near their early-season form. However, despite barely reaching into the final four as the best second-place team, they cannot be taken lightly as they have in recent times shown their grit in tough situations.

It was just last season that they rebounded from a similar type of situation to go on and lift the title. In search of their first title, Waterford who seem to be reaching close to their peak as the season progresses, will be more than worthy opponents for Bridgeport. Waterford topped Group Two with maximum points, scoring wins over Excelsior, Eltham and Camperdown.