Munro through to round of 16, boot Irwin

Former champions Munro College booked their place in the round of 16 of the ISSA daCosta Cup with a 2-1 victory over Irwin High in their final second-round match at Munro yesterday.

Munro join Lacovia High, McGrath High, Manning's School, Clarendon College, Ocho Rios High, Frome Technical and Denbigh High in the next round.

The seven-time champions broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Kajaye Williams lifted the ball over Irwin goalkeeper Tavier Clenon to hand Munro the lead.

Irwin's Kenard Johnson equalised in the 68th minute after capitalising on a defensive error, but Akel Vesprey restored Munro's advantage in the 81st minute to seal the victory.

Munro, who compete in Group A, are tied on 12 points with leaders Frome Technical, who hold the advantage on goal difference. Eliminated Irwin sit fourth on six points, while defending champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) are third on nine points.

STETHS will have to wait on today's final round of matches to determine whether they qualify for the next round as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Munro coach Everdean Scarlett was pleased with the three points and his team's qualification, noting that advancement to the round of 16 was among his primary objectives.

"We have to give God thanks for the three points. I think we deserve them. Irwin came and they pushed us because they had something to play for. However, I think we managed the game well," said Scarlett.

"We got the goals that we needed to push us forward. I am pleased that we are able to advance to the next round, which was one of my goals, you know, to get to the round of 16," he added.

Meanwhile, Irwin coach Garnett Lawrence expressed gratitude for the season and highlighted the progress his team made despite their elimination.

"It's a tough season. First and foremost, we give God thanks for this entire season and the entire school. It's a continuation. This season we fought tremendously throughout. There's not a team that outplayed and outscored us, and that is one of the good things," said Lawrence.

"We will build off that for next season. We have a lot of players coming back, so they have a lot of experience. We weren't expected to be here and we are at the last day of this round, fighting to progress, so I give thanks for that," he added.

In Clarendon, Group C leaders Denbigh High also secured qualification with a 3-0 victory over Kemps Hill.

Yesterday's results

STETHS 2-0 Holmwood

Maggotty 3-2 Frome Technical

Munro College 2-1 Irwin High

Garvey Maceo 2-3 Mile Gully

Kemps Hill 0-3 Denbigh High

Knox 0-0 St Mary