Marc Stamp, Star Writer

Former champions Kingston College (KC) whipped Penwood High 6-1 in Group F action in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/LIME Manning Cup football preliminary round at Cling Cling Oval yesterday.

KC, playing their first match of the season, came from a goal down and romped away with an easy win courtesy of a brace by defender Davian Baker in the 34th and 44th minutes. The North Street-based institution also got goals from Savirn Maxwell (39th), Romar Beckford (51st), Kyle Smith (59th) and substitute Rasheed Dawkins (81st). Akeen Tyrell had given Penwood the lead in the 16th minute.

After falling behind, KC took control and dominated throughout and but for a number of missed opportunities they could have won by a wider margin.

Penwood started off with some purpose but after their surprise lead was cancelled out they faded and never looked a serious threat in the game.

"We were relatively easy winners by a five-goal margin. However, I am not pleased with some aspects of our game," KC's head coach Donovan 'DV' Hayles told Star Sports.

KC were playing their first game as the previous encounter against Eltham was postponed because the officiating referees failed to show last Tuesday at North Street in Kingston.

"We had a few jitters and fell behind early in the game, but it is nice to kick-start the season. It is important to win games early," Hayles reasoned.

Meanwhile, coach of Penwood Rupert Nicholas said his team started training late and this is affecting them. However, he believes they will get better as the season progresses.

'Well, in the first 20 minutes, we played well. We have some youngsters in the team so it is basically a rebuilding process for us. We also had several injuries, however, I hope we will improve during the remainder of the season," Nicholas added.

Today's games

Group A

Edith Dalton James vs Jonathan Grant

Calabar vs Ascot

Group B

Waterford vs Haile Selassie

Cumberland vs Norman Manley

Group E

Jamaica College vs St Andrew College

Bridgeport vs Jose Marti

Ardenne vs Tivoli

Group G

Holy Trinity vs Innswood

Meadowbrook vs St Mary College

Trench Town vs Campion College

All games start at 3:30 p.m. Home teams names first.