Victory keeps Rusea’s High on course for zonal honours

After taking their 'derby' clash, Rusea's High School head coach, Paul 'Tegat' Davis, says the team's aim is to top Zone B, while expressing pleasure for their victory against long-time rivals Frome Technical High.

The 11-time champions Rusea's, punished their opponents 3-1 during their Zone E clash in the ISSA daCosta Cup football match at Collin Miller Sports Complex in Lucea, Hanover, yesterday.

The game was a continuation from Tuesday's game that was suspended at half-time, owing to lightning and heavy rainfall.

As a result of the win, Rusea's now top Zone B with 10 points, from three wins and a draw, while Frome are tied with Cambridge High on seven points, with two wins, a draw. Frome are ahead, however, by virtue of a two-point goal difference.

"We want to top the zone. We are going to take it game by game," said Davis, who hopes the win will boost the confidence of his players.

"I am happy we came out victorious because Frome, Rusea's, and Green Island are rivals. It is always a derby when these three play against each other."

Veteran coach Davis expressed confidence in the team's progress and future prospects.

Over the last two years, Frome have been a nuisance to Rusea's, making it difficult for them to top the zone.

But in the second minute, Rusea's High's Omarion Jemmison jumped highest to head the ball and score from a corner kick, giving his team the lead.

Malik Headed then completed a brace to solidify Rusea's advantage in the second half, scoring in the 69th and 79th minutes.

Frome would get on the scoresheet in stoppage time, when Antwayne Cooper netted a penalty.

"I think we approached the game the right way, knowing we were leading in the first half," said Davis.

However, he was not all pleased with their defending, especially around the goal area.

"We gave away too many free kicks, which could have brought Frome back in the game," Davis lamented. "However, overall we secured the win and that was the aim."

Davis' comments reflected the evenly balanced play in the second half, as both teams threw their punches with bold attacking and created chances.

Though they fought well, Frome could not get the job done to breach Rusea's High's stout defending and convert enough to stave off a loss.

Cleighton Stephens, Frome's head coach, said despite the loss there were take-aways for his team.

"The team showed resilience, maintaining their positive style of play from training. (It's the) first in a long time I see the team, even when down, they didn't crumble," said Stephens.

"I have a lot of positives to look forward to and work with. The plan is to make adjustments and be ready again," he added.

In other games yesterday, defending champions Garvey Maceo edged Denbigh High 2-1, former champions Clarendon College beat Edwin Allen 2-0, Glenmuir extended their perfect streak, making light work of Winston Jones High with a 4-0 win, while Manning's smashed Black River High 3-0.

The competition continues on Friday.