Cornwall, Manchester chase Ben Francis history

The ISSA Ben Francis Knockout quarter-finals officially get under way today, with eight teams battling for a coveted spot in the semi-finals and a chance at redemption.

Four matches are scheduled for kick off at 3 p.m.

After bowing out in the daCosta Cup on Saturday, Cornwall will seek a fresh start this afternoon in their mouthwatering clash against Manchester High at the Cornwall playing field.

Hector Wright, head coach of Cornwall, said the aim is to keep the players focused and back on track.

“We just have to focus on re-establishing the players’ mental resilience to help the team perform better. They always come out and try to play their best,” said Wright.

“Once we can get them ready mentally, they should be good coming into this game,” added Wright.

Cornwall have won seven Ben Francis titles (1983, 1984, 1991, 1995, 2000, 2001, and 2003). They are tied with St Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS) for the most titles.

Last season, they missed out on a place in the Ben Francis semi-finals after the 2024 champions STETHS edged them 9-8 in a penalty shoot-out.

Underdogs Manchester are no pushovers, but are virgins to lifting schoolboy silverware.

Still, they will try to rewrite the script this afternoon, aiming for a shot at title contention.

Jonnoy Chambers, coach of Manchester, said the team is particularly driven by the challenge of overcoming a team with many titles.

“We have nothing to lose. We have marked this as something that we want to achieve, to make it a historic season for the school,” Chambers said, noting the mood has been positive.

Aware of the opponent’s undefeated home record, the team recognises the need to overcome this task.

“The reality is, if we want to get to the final, this is a hurdle the team has to cross and they know that. We know they will be an even tougher opposition at home, so we have to go all out and try to win,” added Chambers.

In their first-round Ben Francis game against William Knibb, Manchester thrashed their opponents 5-0 to secure a quarter-final spot.

This season, Cornwall has scored 62 goals and conceded 11, while Manchester have scored 92 and conceded 10.

Today’s games

Clarendon vs Garvey Maceo at Clarendon

McGrath vs Ocho Rios at Ewarton Sports Complex

Cornwall vs Manchester at Cornwall

Christiana vs Manning’s at Manchester

All games begin at 3 p.m.