Ben Francis Cup Round of 16 Opens With Denbigh Upset Over STETHS

Manchester High hosts seven-time Ben Francis Cup champions Cornwall College today in a round-of-16 rematch that carries a quarter-final spot and some revenge for last year’s penalty loss. Manchester is banking on home support, while Cornwall, still chasing an eighth title after finishing runners-up last season, must handle the pressure of playing away.

Seventeen-year-old Rayjay Smith scored the winner as Old Harbour High beat Rusea’s 2-1 at Linval Dixon Oval to advance in the ISSA Ben Francis KO competition. The goal echoed the match-winning double his uncle Carlington Smith scored against Rusea’s four years ago, highlighting Old Harbour’s football tradition and rising form.

Denbigh High produced the biggest upset in the ISSA Ben Francis Cup on Saturday, beating multiple champions STETHS 2-1 in Santa Cruz to reach the Round of 16, while Old Harbour High also stunned former winners Rusea’s High 2-1. Defending champions Clarendon College, Munro College, Cornwall College and Glenmuir High also advanced in lopsided wins.

Ten-man Munro College overwhelmed Frome Technical 5-0 at the Frome playing field to reach the ISSA Ben Francis Knockout round of 16, with Jaquan Mitchell and Kajaye Williams scoring twice each and Kashane Beckford adding the fifth. Munro stayed in control despite two red cards, while the result ended Frome’s unbeaten home competitive run.

Seven-time champions Cornwall College will try to build on their 20-0 opening win over Troy High when they host Knox College in today’s Ben Francis KO round of 32 at the Cornwall playing field. Defending champions Clarendon College, back after a bye, face May Day High as 15 matches get underway across the island.