Norman Manley demolish Ardenne 9-0 in Manning Cup opener

KINGSTON, Jamaica— A hat-trick by Demarco Bryan propelled Norman Manley High to the biggest win of the opening round of the Manning Cup, trouncing Ardenne High 9-0 on Wednesday in Zone C. In other Zone C games, Edith Dalton James edged Denham Town High 2-1, and Donald Quarrie High and Kingston Technical High played to a 2-2 draw at the Bull Pen. Norman Manley jumps to the top of the group with three points, the same as Edith Dalton James but with a better goal difference.

Kingston Technical and Donald Quarrie are on a point each. There were also good victories for Penwood High, St. Mary’s College and Holy Trinity High.

Penwood High opened its campaign in style, defeating Clan Carthy High 3-0 in Zone B while St Mary’s College raced to a 3-1 victory over Jose Marti Technical. In the third Zone B match, Innswood High and Hillel Academy battled to a 1-1 draw. Penwood High are early leaders in Zone B with three points, the same as St Mary's College, while Hillel and Innswood are on one point.

In Zone A, Holy Trinity High also made a winning start, getting past Waterford High 2-0, and Camperdown High edged Bridgeport High 1-0. Ascot High and Jonathan Grant High played to a 2-2 stalemate. The Manning Cup, with a new format, will see the 24 first-round unseeded teams battle for nine spots in the second round, where they will join the 15 seeded teams.

The competition continues on Saturday, September 12, when another nine matches are scheduled, all kicking off at 3:30 pm. Ascot High will look to build on its opening-day draw when it meets Camperdown High at Dunbeholden playfield, while Greater Portmore High makes its season debut against Waterford High at Royal Lakes. Holy Trinity High will host Jonathan Grant High, with both teams entering the contest after contrasting opening results.

Clan Carthy High will also be seeking its first points when it welcomes Innswood High. Jose Marti Tech faces a difficult assignment against Penwood High, which will enter the match full of confidence after its 3-0 victory. Other fixtures see St Mary’s College host Papine High, Ardenne High take on Kingston Technical, and Edith Dalton James High meet Norman Manley High.