'Charlie' season on the line

Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

It's make or break time for Charlie Smith as they hunt a place in the second round of the ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel Manning Cup.

If they are to do so, they must find a way to overcome group A leaders Tivoli High in a crucial game at the Edward Seaga Complex at 3:30p.m. today.

On 16 points with just one game remaining after today, Charlie Smith are currently third behind Norman Manley 17 and Tivoli, who are on 19.

Crucial games

While a win will put them right back in contention in the tightly contested group, anything less will see their season almost at an end. In the group's other games, Norman Manley are favoured to get all three points when they host Tarrant at Tinson Pen and in a match of academic interest, Spanish Town will host Campion College at Spanish Town Prison Oval.

In group B, Waterford and Calabar will look to stay on course for the seemingly inevitable showdown to decide first place, when they play Ascot and Donald Quarrie in respective games. With only one game against each other remaining after today's match, both teams are locked on 16 points.

An already eliminated St Mary's College will also tackle Pembroke Hall.

Winner-take-all decider

Another battle for an automatic place in the Walker Cup will take place in group E as St George's, on 22 points, and Excelsior, also on 22, look to stay on course for their winner-take-all decider, when they play host to Ardenne and Dunoon, respectively.

Excelsior are marginally ahead on goal difference but should the teams secure wins, they will face each other to decide the group on Saturday. In the group's other game, Greater Portmore will host Camperdown.

TODAY'S GAMES

Group A

Tivoli vs Charlie Smith

Spanish Town vs Campion

Norman Manley vs Tarrant

Group B

Waterford vs Ascot

Calabar vs Donald Quarrie

St Mary's vs Pembroke Hall

Group E

Excelsior vs Dunoon

Greater Port vs Camperdown

St George's vs Ardenne