Adrian Frater, News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:
HERBERT MORRISON'S bid to draw closer to a possible berth in the inter-zone round of the 2005 ISSA/Pepsi/Jamaica National daCosta Cup was thwarted yesterday when Irwin High failed to show for their crucial Zone A rescheduled fixture in Montego Bay.
"It is kind of frustrating to us as we were really looking forward to putting this game behind us," said Herbert Morrison's, coach Clifton Kellier, shortly after referee Ricardo Sailsman called off the game. "We were ready for the game so I hope the points will be awarded to us."
MAXIMUM POINTS NEEDED
Herbert Morrison, currently on 23 points, need maximum points from both Irwin High and Maldon High, which they are slated to play in another rescheduled game tomorrow, if they are to qualify for the inter-zone ahead of Anchovy, who have completed their fixtures with 28 points. Cornwall College captured the first of the zone's two qualifying places by amassing an unassailable 33 points.
"With all the rain and these rescheduled games, we have to be working overtime to keep the players focused," said coach Kellier. "We can not allow the frustration to spread to the players because they need to stay focused on the task ahead."
When The Gleaner arrived at the Herbert Morrison grounds for the game, which was slated for 11:00 a.m., the team and coaching staff were busily working to get the playing area, which was waterlogged earlier this week, into suitable condition. Referee Sailsman inspected the field and declared it playable but switched the start time to 12:30 p.m.
PLAYERS AVAILABLE
Irwins' coach, Orville Sandcroft, who arrived at the venue at approximately 11:00 a.m. minus the members of his team, told The Gleaner that he was not happy with the state of the playing area but hinted that his players would be available should the referee decide to go ahead with the game.
However, when referee Sailsman indicated that he was ready for the planned 12:30 p.m. kick-off, coach Sandcroft and his team were not present. He subsequently checked off the Herbert Morrison team and after waiting for another 15 minutes, called off the game.
