Walker Cup: St Catherine, Calabar clash in feature

A pulsating encounter is expected today when St Catherine High meet Calabar High in today's feature game of the quarter-finals in the ISSA/Digicel Walker Cup KO competition. Kick-off time is 3 p.m. at the Stadium East field.

In a curtain-raiser at the same venue, Excelsior High will oppose Denham Town at 1 p.m. The Spanish Town Prison Oval will host the day's other quarter-final matchups. Hydel High will tackle Mona High at 1 p.m. before St Jago High oppose Cumberland High at 3 p.m.

The Anthony Patrick-coached St Catherine are seeking to rebound after a disappointing exit from the Manning Cup. They were one of the favourites for the title, but faded badly in the second round where they were clipped by Charlie Smith.

Patrick said his team has got over that disappointment and are looking forward to giving a good account of themselves in the Walker Cup.

"We are up for the challenge because it is just one trophy that we have a shot to play for and so we are prepared to give it our all," said Patrick.

"I think it is going to be a keenly contested game because they came out of the same group with the high-riding Kingston College and Mona High, who are also in the Walker Cup," Patrick said.

St Catherine will be depending heavily on Marcovich Brown, who is the leading goalscorer in the Manning Cup with 18 goals.

Meanwhile, Calabar head coach David Lalor said his players are very determined to put on a good show in the competition.

"My players are upbeat about this game because this is the only trophy that they can win and so we just have to stay focused and see if we can make the most of this Walker Cup," said Lalor.

Calabar will look to Brendon Freckleton and Dijon Grant to lead their charge to victory.