It’s a STGC-KC final

On November 30, a debate that has span many generations is slated to be settled. The debate, with the theme ‘Who are the real kings of North Street’, has been reignited as Kingston College (KC)and St George’s College (STGC) are set to clash in the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup final for the first time.

KC, located at 2A North Street, beat St Andrew Technical High 2-1, while STGC, residing at Winchester Park on North Street, ensured that new champions will be crowned this season when they defeated Jamaica College by the same scoreline.

KC, who last played in the final 18 years ago, secured their spot in the big showdown through a 59th-minute strike from Shaquille Smith and a goal from Dwayne Atkinson in the 72nd minute.

Jevoney Johnson pulled back one for STATHS in the 76th minute but the writing was already on the wall as KC stood firm in defence.

“The Kingston College fraternity demands the Manning Cup and I am going to deliver it this season,” said coach Ludlow Bernard. “I am pressuring myself to win this thing. I need to add this accolade to my resume.”

NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS

He continued: “Today we came with a particular tactic which was shifted midway and I don’t think STATHS realised what happened. Going into the final, we will make the necessary adjustments to deal with the opponents.”

STGC outclassed a below par Jamaica College.

Prolific striker Chantamoi Brown put the ‘Light Blues’ in front just after the break before Damani Harris doubled the lead in the 72nd minute.

Saqlain Waul pulled back one for the defending champs in added time, but it was a mere formality as the final whistle came immediately after play was restarted.

“We knew what we had to do to win the game and we did that,” said Neville Bell, the coach of STGC. “We knew Jamaica College are a high-quality team and we expected that they would do well against us and they did but we are a confident bunch.”

He continued: “I am so happy that we (KC and STGC) are in the final. I congratulated them. Every time we play against Kingston College it is something to talk about, and I believe it is going to be a good final.”

Shaquille Smith (right) of Kingston college scores in the Manning Cup semi-final against St Andrew Technical High School at the National Stadium yesterday.

St George’s College Damani Harris (right) embraces teammate Chantomoi Taylor during the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup secondround match earlier this season. Both players scored in their team’s 2-1 victory over Jamaica College to advance to the 2018 ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup final.

Ari Rodgers (centre) of Kingston College gets by Tyrese Smith (right) and Shamar Gibbs of St Andrew Technical High School in the Manning Cup semi-final at the National Stadium yesterday.