Irwin ready for tough Maldon condition

Irwin High's coach Norman Foster is optimistic that they will overcome the tough conditions at Maldon to win their Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Digicel daCosta Cup schoolboy football match today.

According to Foster, Irwin is equipped to deal with the situation, as they seek to extend their lead at the top of Zone A of the competition.

"Playing at Maldon will always be a difficult task because of the weather conditions up there. If we can play a good match, it will be a good day for us. Our preparation is up the par for anything, but hopefully, the day will be fair so we can have a good game.

"Yes, it can be a dilemma for me, but at the end of the day, I have to focus on my team. Whatever conditions we playing in, we have to stick to the task and fight. It's football, everyone would want to play at their advantage and Maldon would have it at their advantage, however, we are equipped and ready for the game," Foster said.

Maldon's coach, Dillon Thelwell, is upbeat about playing at home, which gives them confidence, especially after Friday's 2-1 defeat of Cornwall College.

"Irwin is a good team. I've seen them three times now so we know it's not going to be easy, however, we will be at home so once the guys carry out the instructions, I know we can deliver. We just have to be strong mentally because we are prepared," said Thelwell.

He dismissed claims of the conditions created by the weather giving them an advantage.

"We cannot stop the rain from falling. We pray at times for no rain so we will have a good field to play on, but it's natural," he added.

Cornwall College, the 12-time champions, are floundering this season, which makes Zone A up for grabs. With four wins and a draw in their last game, Irwin sit top of the zone with 13 points. They are followed by Green Pond High with 10 points.

Maldon, who lost their first game of the season are loving life as of late, being more equipped to play in the difficult conditions brought on by the weather. They have won their last two matches after a draw in their second.

On Friday, the win against Cornwall College moves Maldon into third on the six-team standings.

Former champions Cornwall College and St James High occupy fourth and fifth, respectively, with six points. Anchovy are yet to get off the mark.

OTHER MATCHES

(All start at 3:30 p.m.)

Garvey Maceo vs Foga Road at Garvey Maceo

Old Harbour vs Glenmuir at Port Esquivel Sports Club

Merlene Ottey vs Hopewell at Merlene Ottey

Green Island vs Frome at Green Island

Kemps Hill vs Winston Jones at Kemps Hill

Bellefield vs Manchester at Bellefield High

May Day vs Belair at May Day

deCarteret College vs Mt St Joseph at deCarteret College