Fearless Old Harbour to play Clarendon College in daCosta Cup quarter-final clash

Uriel Meghie marshalled his troops to overcome St Mary High 2-0 in their two-legged second round tie to find themselves in elite company. In their group they'll face two former champions in St James High and Clarendon College, the latter beaten in last year's and reigning Ben Francis Cup champions, and Manchester High who have been perennial contenders in recent years.

Old Harbour open their account against Clarendon College in the last 16 on October 23 in the feature match of a doubleheader at the Juice Patties Field, and despite being clear underdogs going into the fixture, Meghie is undaunted.

“It's the total commitment of the entire coaching staff and the players,” he said in describing the team's journey so far.

As one of the lowest ranked teams remaining in the competition, Old Harbour is seen as the team every other side will be aiming to take points off. But Meghie said they won't be easy pushovers.

“We try to make them as comfortable as possible, and like I've said to you before they are a bunch of guys who listen to the coaching staff, he told Old Harbour News.
However, as they prepare to meet a well organized and experience Clarendon College unit, Meghie added: “Only we can make it tough. Everywhere the football is played the same way. So if we go in there with a positive frame of mind then we can top the group.”

With a small backroom staff giving support, the Old Harbour High alumnus said he was not able to scout the oppositions and therefore knows nothing about them apart from reading about their performances in the press.

But the evolution of the game globally has also helped to level the playing field, he believes.

“Football has changed,” he said ahead of facing Clarendon College one of the teams tipped to win the rural area title this season. “Everybody catch up now just like in world football.”

“I take nothing away from the other teams in the group,” he continued. “They can play (good football). But only if you allow them to play they will look good and you look foolish. “Good coaches need only 10 minutes to assess a team and then make the adjustment from then.”

After playing Clarendon College, Old Harbour will meet St James High at Manchester High school grounds this Saturday before travelling to the same venue to play the hosts on October 30.

Kick-off time is 3:00 pm on each match day.