Sat | Nov 29, 2025

Byfield’s hat trick ensures easy win for KC

Published:Saturday | November 29, 2025 | 12:10 AMRobert Bailey/Gleaner Writer
Deshawn Byfield of Kingston College celebrates after scoring the second goal of the game during the Kingston College versus Campion College Manning Cup match at Ashenheim Stadium, Jamaica College yesterday,
Matthew McKoy
Deshawn Byfield of Kingston College celebrates after scoring the second goal of the game during the Kingston College versus Campion College Manning Cup match at Ashenheim Stadium, Jamaica College yesterday,

Striker Deshawn Byfield netted a brilliant second-half hat trick to guide defending champions Kingston College (KC) to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Campion College in their second-round Group Two encounter of the ISSA/WATA Manning Cup competition at the Ashenheim Stadium yesterday.

Byfield, one of the leading scorers in this season’s competition, struck in the 50th, 59th, and 80th minutes to hand the North Street-based school their first win of the second round after two games. The victory lifted KC to three points. In the group’s other game, Calabar High and Hydel High played to a 1-1 draw at Calabar. Calabar lead the group with four points on goal difference ahead of Hydel, followed by KC on three and Campion College on zero.

KC coach Vassell Reynolds said that while he was pleased with the victory, there are still several areas that need improvement ahead of next Wednesday’s final group match against Calabar.

“I thought we were below par in the first half because of the pressure that was on us, as we needed to win this game. But in the second half, we relaxed a bit and we gave a very efficient performance. We managed to score three goals, and so I was satisfied that we picked up all three points,” said Reynolds.

He added that he is expecting a much better performance when they face rivals Calabar next week.

“However, this is our first game since the layoff, so I am not going to kill my players for what was a lacklustre first half. We should be better for the next game, and we should have some confidence,” Reynolds added.

Both teams started the match very tentatively, with neither creating any meaningful scoring chances in the opening 20 minutes. KC produced a few opportunities in the final 15 minutes of the first half, but poor finishing from Byfield kept the game goalless at the break.

KC quickly found their rhythm in the second stanza, and five minutes into the period Byfield arrived in the centre of the box to fire home from close range. He doubled the lead nine minutes later when he dribbled around two defenders to slot home, before returning to seal the victory 10 minutes from full time.