JC, Excelsior into Walker Cup semis

Wolmer’s Boys’ Jude Davis (left) plays the ball while coming under a challenge from Excelsior High’s Tristan Bethune during their ISSA Walker Cup game at the Stadium East Field on Saturday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

JAMAICA College (JC) and Excelsior High advanced to the semi-finals of the ISSA Walker Cup with 2-1 and 2-0 wins over Eltham High and Wolmer’s Boys’, respectively, at the Stadium East field on Saturday.

In the curtain-raiser, a late strike by Delajahe McCormack in the second minute of stoppage time gave JC a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 win over Eltham.

An own goal by Jaquan Brown gave Eltham the lead in the third minute of stoppage time, after he headed a deflected ball past his advancing goalkeeper.

JC hit back just after the restart when Richard Clarke headed home in the 46th minute to make it 1-1.

Just when it appeared the game was heading to penalties, McCormack tapped home from a corner in the dying moments to complete JC’s comeback.

It was a cruel end for Eltham, who had held their own throughout the game.

JC will meet Mona High in the semi-finals after Mona defeated Vauxhall High 2-1.

In the feature encounter, Excelsior defeated Wolmer’s Boys’ 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals where they will meet Kingston College (KC), who eliminated St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) 4-2 on penalties after the teams had drawn 2-2.

Rivaldo Murray opened the scoring for Excelsior in the 37th minute, turning home from close range after a wonderful free kick from about 40 metres out.

Excelsior thought they had doubled their lead in the 55th minute but the goal was ruled out for handball.

Spurred on by that decision, Wolmer’s took the game to the Manning Cup champions, forcing goalkeeper Jamari Gordon into several outstanding saves as they pushed for the equaliser.

In the 66th minute, Murray almost doubled Excelsior’s lead but his low shot was saved by goalkeeper Arantes Clarke.

Damarley Williams then sealed the win for Excelsior in the 70th minute, scoring from close range after a quick counter-attack.

The four semi-finalists — JC, KC, Excelsior and Mona High — also secured places in the all-island Champions Cup knockout.