( l - r ) Jackie Walters, Anthony 'Follies' Williams

Western Bureau:

Former champions Rusea's, Glenmuir and Old Harbour all emerged victorious yesterday afternoon as action started in the 2011 ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel Ben Francis Cup Knockout with four first-round games in rural Jamaica.

Rusea's, the reigning daCosta Cup champions, had to dig deep against a gutsy Grange Hill to secure a 1-0 win; Glenmuir were quite clinical in dispatching Clarendon College 3-1; while Old Harbour blanked Port Antonio High School 3-1. In the other game, there was a no-result in the clash between Cedric Titus and St Mary Technical.

In their game against Grange Hill at Jarrett Park, the 'Russians' snatched victory courtesy of a second-half strike by Keanu Williams.

"I am happy that we won but I am not pleased with the way we played today, there was just too much complacency on out part," said Anthony 'Follies' Williams, who shares coaching duties at Rusea's with Emerson 'Diggy' Henry. "The players need to stay focused and compose if they hope to do well in this competition."

In their game against Clarendon College, the Patrick 'Jackie' Walters-coached Glenmuir were in prime form, nullifying their opponents offensive ambitions and then striking decisively for their impressive 3-1 win. Noel Johnson (two) and Paul Wilson (penalty) got the goals for Glenmuir. Roman Henry got Clarendon College's consolation goal.

"It was a nice game, both teams had their good moments but we got three goals and they could only manage one," said coach Walters, whose Glenmuir team remain unbeaten this season.

In their game against Port Antonio, the Old Harbour team, which qualified by topping Zone J of the daCosta Cup inter-zone, secured their win through goals from Devroy Gray and Tashiek Johnson.