Denbigh High defy the odds again

DENBIGH High School continue to defy the odds after pulling off a big 3-1 upset win over Kemps Hill High at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Hayes, Clarendon, to win Group 3 of the ISSA/ daCosta Cup football competition and qualify for the round-of-16 for the second time in three seasons. Lashawn Barnaby scored twice and Markland Williams got the other for Denbigh High as they edged Kemps Hill on more goals scored after the teams ended on 10 points and a goal difference of four. Denbigh were third in the group going into the game after they were beaten by St Mary High in the previous match, but Head Coach Christopher Carney said they were always confident. Also on Tuesday, Munro College confirmed their place in the round-of-16 after edging Irwin High 2-1 at Munro to join Frome Technical who were beaten 3-2 by Maggotty High at Lacovia Community Centre.

The final qualifiers will be decided today, with three former champions — Glenmuir High, Rusea’s High and Cornwall College — as well as Central High and Manchester High all seeking a spot in the next round. Denbigh had to use regular central defender Kenardo Smith in goal after regular starter Kevin Pryce was sent off against St Mary High, but Carney said they were still confident. “Kemps Hill have not beaten us in a while. Last year we were in the same position — needing a win in our final game to advance — and we beat them 1-0,” he told the Jamaica Observer . “This team is full of fighters and they know how to win,” he said. “The players are close and they play for each other. ” Garvey Maceo finished third in the group after they were beaten 3-2 by Mile Gully High at home. Munro College grabbed second place in Group 1 after beating Irwin High with goals from Kajaye Williams and Akel Vesprey, at Munro, to finished tied…