Glenmuir High School won the 2023 Champions Cup with a scintillating win over Clarendon College at the National Stadium on Saturday night (November 2) for their first hold of the title.
The May Pen based school squared up against cross-parish rivals and heavy favourites Clarendon College, who were boasting an impressive 18-game win streak going into the final.
It was the first time two Clarendon based schools faced off in the final and the second time the final was contested by two DaCosta Cup teams.
The Champions Cup, which was originally called the Super Cup, is the only nationally contested school-boy football tournament, with the top four from rural area DaCosta Cup and the top four from the corporate are Manning Cup competing for the top prize.
Clarendon College drew first blood with a goal from Keheim Dixon in the 18th minute. However, less than 10 minutes later, in minute 27, Glenmuir would draw level with a superb strike from Ja-son White. After a stunning display in the first half, the two teams would go into halftime locked at 1-1.
A dangerous tackle from Nashon Bolt-Barrett on Glenmuir’s Orane Watson, led to the Clarendon College player being sent off with a red card and reduced the 2021 champions to ten men. Kyle Gordon would convert the ensuing free-kick to put Glenmuir up 2-1.
The fouled Watson increased the margin to 3-1 in the 82nd minute and it seemed the game was all wrapped up.
There was some tension-filled final moments, which included a late penalty for Clarendon College which was converted by their captain Malachi Douglas.
Glenmuir withstood the final push and held on for a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Glenmiur head coach Andrew Peart expressed satisfaction with the victory and was happy the team could win it’s first ever Champions Cup. His counterpart Lenworth Hyde bemoaned his team’s bad luck having come close to scoring on several occasions, and congratulated Glenmiur on a very hard-fought final.
This marks the third time a DaCosta Cup school won the tournament, with Cornwall College being the first in 2018, before last night beaten finalists lifted the trophy in 2021.
This matchup was particularly mouth-watering considering that these two teams are also slated to contest the DaCosta Cup final this Saturday on December 9. The eventual winner will face-off for the Olivier Shield against the urban area Manning Cup (the final is between Mona High and Hydel High) winners on December 13.
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