St George’s, Excelsior in crucial clash
ST GEORGE’S College will look to maintain their perfect record when they face Excelsior High in a top-ofthe-table clash in Group A of the ISSA-FLOW Manning Cup preliminary stage at Winchester Park, North Street, today. Match time is 3 p.m.
The Light Blues have scored five wins from as many starts to be on top in the group on a maximum 15 points, just ahead of Excelsior, who are on 13. Greater Portmore are also on 13 but have played two more games. Tivoli Gardens are on three points and Tarrant High are without a point in the group.
With this scenario, a win for either St George’s or Excelsior will strengthen their chances of finishing the group on top. This will also ensure a spot in the prestigious FLOW Super Cup as well as the Walker Cup knockout competitions.
The teams’ first-round game on September 20 at the Stadium East was abandoned following the death of former St George’s captain Dominic James. He collapsed early in the match and was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His funeral will be held tomorrow at Holy Trinity Cathedral on North Street.
When the game was called off, Excelsior were leading 2-1 late in the first half.
St George’s College’s assistant coach, Marcel Gayle, says his team treats every game as being very important and today’s clash will be no difference.
“Every game is important. We want to go out there and do our best. We are improving by scoring more goals and will look to continue that way,” The Gleaner Gayle told yesterday.
St George’s will look to new captain Alex Marshall, Akeem Robotham, Ronaldo Watson, and former Wolmer’s player Akiki Jackson to continue their winning streak.
Excelsior’s technical director Xavier Gilbert, is fully aware of the importance of the game.
“It is a very important game for both teams. We want to stay in line for the FLOW Super Cup, so we have been preparing for this game,” Gilbert declared.
“The team is coming on, although we are not yet where we want to be. However, the aim is to go there for a win,” the former St George’s cricket star added.
Excelsior will look to national Under-17 striker Raewin Senior, Christopher Thorpe, Thorne Buchanan, and Cadine Graham for a positive result.