Clarendon powerhouses jump into Group of Death action

THREE CLARENDON powerhouses, Garvey Maceo, Glenmuir, and Clarendon College, will be in action today as the daCosta Cup round of 16 kicks off with Zone 3, dubbed the ‘Group of Death’.

Defending champions Garvey Maceo will face Clarendon College in a Clarendon derby at the Wembley Excellence Centre while Glenmuir host western team Maggotty High School. Both matches start at 3 p.m.

With only two spots available for the quarterfinals, all three Clarendon teams will be eager to start strong and gain early momentum in what promises to be a fierce battle for survival.

Garvey Maceo, coached by Lester Hibbert, recovered well after a 1-1 draw away in their penultimate game to Titchfield in the round of 32, hammering Paul Bogle 4-0 at home to top their group with seven points. They will look to maintain that form against former champions Clarendon College.

Clarendon College, now guided by new head coach Devon Anderson, finished second in their round-of-32 group on seven points behind Dinthill. After last year’s disappointing exit in the round of 16 when they were coached by the legendary Lenny Hyde, Anderson’s side will be determined to make amends.

Glenmuir, under coach Andre Peart, topped their round-of-32 group on goal difference over Manchester High after a 2-2 draw in their final match. Back at home, they will fancy their chances against Maggotty, who finished second in their group behind Ocho Rios on six points.

In their last home match, Glenmuir romped to a 10-0 victory over St Mary High, with captain and top scorer Orane Watson netting four goals. However, Peart’s team will need to improve their second-half performances — a weakness this season.