The St George's College pair of Brandon Soloman and Kendon Anderson hurry to clear their lines during a ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel Manning Cup this season. - Ricardo Makyn

Two-time defending champions St George's College will resume the defence of their title today when they play North Street neighbours Kingston College (KC) at Constant Spring, in one of two ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel Manning Cup Group Three second round matches.

The showdown, which is slated to get under way at 3 p.m., will follow the playing of the group's other clash between Walker Cup finalists Bridgeport High and Jamaica College (JC).

bounce back

St George's, who are seeking to become the first team to win the title three year's in a row since they themselves did so in 1993, will be seeking to bounce back from their first-round exit in the Walker Cup, while for the Purples, it will be their first encounter since finishing second to Eltham in the group stage of the competition.

"It's about refocusing. We are the defending champions and while KC will be tough, our aim is to defend our title," explained St George's assistant coach, Marcel Gayle.

"It's a derby game, which means that it may not be the best in terms of quality, given the passion involved, but we will be looking to put our best foot forward."

Leading the way for St George's will be national Under-20 representatives midfielder Carl Reid, sweeper Devon Williams and striker Rohan Roye, who is a former KC player, who transferred to the Light Blues in sixth form this season.

outstanding performances

KC, in the meanwhile, will be hoping for outstanding performances from captain and central defender Lennox Thompson, striker Arsenio Walker and national Under-20 invitee, central midfielder Rashane Garcia.

"It will be a very tough game playing against the back-to-back champions and as such, we will have to carry our 'A' game," said KC coach, Trevor 'Jumpy' Harris.

"This KC team is a work in progress, but we have really come along lately, so if we are able to show this on the field then anything is possible."

In the opener, the Anthony Patrick-coached Bridgeport will look to inspirational midfielder Jamiel Hardware and Rodger Bucknor, as they seek to extend their quest for the double, with a win over Jamaica College (JC).

JC, in the meanwhile, who are being guided by Alfred Henry, will look to national Under-20 invitee Ashani Walker and left back Andre Messam to lead their charge for the title.