Clarendon College, Glenmuir to do final battle for Ben Francis Cup

Clarendon College and Glenmuir High will contest the final of the ISSA Rural Area Ben Francis Cup knockout competition after recording contrasting semi-final victories at Glenmuir High School yesterday.

Defending champions Clarendon College edged Denbigh High 4-3 on penalties after their semi-final ended goalless, while hosts Glenmuir booked their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over Dinthill Technical in the second match.

The results have set up an all-Clarendon showdown, with Clarendon College aiming to retain their title and Glenmuir hoping to make home advantage count.

In the opening match, Clarendon College and Denbigh battled through a fiercely contested encounter but failed to find a breakthrough during regulation time, with both teams guilty of squandering several excellent scoring opportunities.

Denbigh created two glorious chances to take the lead in the first half. Daveon McDonald unleashed a brilliant 30-yard effort, but Clarendon College goalkeeper Alex Gardner produced an excellent save to deny him.

Gardner was called into action again 10 minutes later, pulling off another fine stop to keep out a free kick from Denbigh captain Keanordo Smith from approximately 40 yards.

The missed chances continued in the second half, with Clarendon College forwards Patrick Page and Markland Simms failing to capitalise on several close-range opportunities. McDonald also failed to convert his chances as neither team could find the decisive goal.

With the score still locked at 0-0, the contest was decided by a penalty shoot-out, with the defending champions holding their nerve to prevail 4-3.

Clarendon College head coach Devon Anderson admitted that his team made life difficult for themselves but was pleased to advance to the final.

“We did everything to throw away the game, but it was destiny in the end, as we deserved to win. I am pleased with the result, but not the game, as we threw away too many chances,” Anderson said.

He added that his team was looking forward to the final as they seek to defend their title.

Denbigh head coach Garfield Carney praised his players for their performance against the defending champions, pointing to the demands of a long season and the quality of their opponents.

“It was a good game by the boys, as this was our 10th game against a strong Clarendon team playing their seventh game. We had a good plan, and credit to the guys for sticking to that plan. But, as we know, in a penalty shoot-out anything can happen,” Carney said.

STAFF COMMENDED

He also commended his backroom staff for their work throughout the campaign.

In the second semi-final, Glenmuir secured their place in the final with a 2-0 win over Dinthill, thanks to a second-half brace from Orel Miller.

Miller broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, finishing from close range after Glenmuir worked the ball into the six-yard box. He then sealed the victory from the penalty spot in the 89th minute.

Glenmuir dominated much of the second half and deserved their victory despite the challenging playing conditions.

Glenmuir head coach Ashani Mullings praised his players for maintaining their discipline in the difficult conditions.

“Despite the heavy conditions, with the high grass which the players had to contend with, they played well, and it was a good win. They were disciplined in their play, and it paid off,” Mullings said.

Looking ahead to the final, he said his team remained focused on its preparations as they seek to complete the job.

Dinthill head coach Lenworth Hyde felt his players were guilty of rushing their play, particularly after falling behind, but credited Glenmuir for their performance.

“After going behind, the guys were rushing the game too much, but credit to Glenmuir. They played well,” Hyde said.

He added that Dinthill would now turn their attention to the remaining competitions, particularly the daCosta Cup and Champions Cup.