Favourites stay perfect in Manning Cup second round

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Top contenders Kingston College (KC), Excelsior High, Mona High, St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) and Eltham High maintained their perfect starts in the ISSA Manning Cup second round, which was completed on Wednesday.

KC were among the biggest winners, crushing Edith Dalton James High 9-0 to move to six points in Group Three. They had opened their account with a 5-0 win over Penwood High last week. The famed Purples have now rattled in 14 goals from two games, the most in the second round.

St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) also enjoyed a comfortable outing, defeating Tivoli Gardens High 4-0 to maintain their perfect record to be on six points, but second in Group Three on goal difference. Tivoli remain on three points, level with St George's College which whipped Penwood High 8-0 for their first win. Penwood and Edith Dalton are at the bottom without a point.

In Group A, the embattled Jamaica College drew 0-0 with Campion College to be at the bottom with one point. St Catherine High lead the group with six points after edging Camperdown High 1-0. Wolmer's, which hammered Jose Marti 9-1, are second in the group with three points, the same as Camperdown and Jose Marti.

Mona High also continued their impressive form in Group Four, defeating Bridgeport High 5-2 to remain on six points and share the lead with Eltham High which defeated Vauxhall High 4-1. Vauxhall are third on three points, the same as Hillel Academy which edged Denham Town 2-1.

Defending champions Excelsior High also strengthened their position in Group Two with a 2-1 victory over Calabar High. The champions moved to six points from two matches, while Calabar remained on three points.

Charlie Smith High also kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Norman Manley High to be on three points, alongside Calabar. Norman Manley and St Jago are on three points following their 2-1 win over Holy Trinity, who remain pointless.