We expect a tough battle - Bell

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

St George's College's coach, Neville 'Bertis' Bell, expects a tough battle when his 'light blues' meet Bridgeport High in today's ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel Manning Cup final.

"Everyone believes we are the favourites, and if the experts think this way, then we just have to live with it," Bell said on Thursday.

"We know that it is going to be a very tough game but we also know that if we do what we are supposed to do then we will do well," said Bell. "Bridgeport is a good team with an experienced coach, but we are confident, knowing that if we play as well as we have been doing all season, then we should win," he said.

Bell will not be satisfied with just reaching the Manning Cup final. He really wants to win back-to-back titles.

"There is no pressure on us because we thank God that we have made it to the final. However, we are not satisfied because we want to win the Manning Cup," he said.

The defending champions will enter today's final with their best team, as Bell said all his players are injury free, their preparations have been going well and they are raring to go.

"We expect that we are going to have to play very hard to win, but I think that the team that scores the most goals will win the game and, hopefully, we will score more goals than them," Bell added.

He noted that St George's will be banking on the experience and depth of their players.

He also expects a team effort when the game kicks off at 3:30 today inside the National Stadium.

Quality, experienced players

"I think we have some quality and experienced players on our team and, hopefully, we will get it right," he said.

"The good thing about my team is that it is always a team effort. 'Jimmie' (McKaully Tulloch) is our leading scorer and Marvin Morgan is second, but we have 11 other goal scorers and we have people who provide the ball," Bell said.

"Winning the title would mean a lot to the school and community and, hopefully, we can do it for them because they have supported us brilliantly, not only this season but over the years."