Charlie Smith dominate Tarrant again, Keep Manning Cup hopes alive

Charlie Smith High secured a 4-0 home win over Tarrant High at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Tuesday, keeping their hopes alive for an automatic spot in the second round of the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup competition. The victory was Charlie Smith’s second 4-0 result against Tarrant this season, following their earlier win on September 9.

The three-time champions strengthened their hold in second place in Zone B, with 18 points from nine matches. They trail already-qualified leaders Mona High by four points, who have 22 points from eight games. Charlie Smith have one more game to play in the group stage.

Third-place Jonathan Grant High, who are also vying for the second automatic spot in the zone, sit three points behind Charlie Smith with 15 points from eight matches. They will face fourth-place Waterford High, who have 10 points, on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Zone D leaders St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) routed Kingston Technical High School 18-1 at Boys’ Town field, maintaining their edge over Calabar High in the race for the top spot. Calabar earned a 4-1 win over Vauxhall at their Red Hills Road ground.

Both STATHS and Calabar are tied on 22 points, but STATHS hold a four-goal advantage. Haile Selassie High, with 12 points, remain third after a 2-0 loss to Camperdown High, who now have 11 points. Kingston Technical remain winless and at the bottom of the table.

With four matchdays left, 12 teams have already secured spots in the second round, leaving four places still up for grabs.

The 12 teams confirmed for the next round so far are Eltham High and Hydel High (Zone A), Mona High (Zone B), Kingston College and Campion College (Zone C), Calabar and St Andrew Technical High School (Zone D), Wolmer’s Boys and Tivoli Gardens High (Zone E), Jamaica College (Zone F), and St George’s College and St Catherine High (Zone G).

Tuesday’s resultsSTATHS 18, Kingston Technical 1Calabar 4, Vauxhall 1Charlie Smith 4, Tarrant 0Ascot High 4, Pembroke Hall 2Haile Selassie 0, Camperdown 2

Wednesday’s schedule (All matches are scheduled to start at 3:30 pm)Bridgeport High vs Excelsior at DunbeholdenMona High vs Gaynstead High at Mona HighWaterford High vs Jonathan Grant High at Waterford High