Excelsior defeat Wolmer’s Boys 2-0 in the Walker Cup quarter-final
Excelsior, JC through to Walker Cup final four
October 4, 2026
Reigning Manning Cup champions Excelsior High and Jamaica College (JC) booked their places in the semi-finals of the 2026 ISSA Walker Cup knockout competition after victories over Wolmer’s Boys’ School and Eltham High, respectively.
Excelsior defeated Wolmer’s 2-0, while JC edged Eltham 2-1.
The winners join Mona High and Kingston College (KC) in the race for schoolboy football glory.
In the feature match of the double-header at Stadium East, Rivaldo Murray opened the scoring for Excelsior in the 38th minute before Damarley Williams doubled their advantage in the 68th.
Earlier, JC secured their semi-final spot after overcoming Eltham in a closely contested encounter.
Eltham took the lead just before half-time through an unfortunate own goal by defender Jaquan Brown, who attempted to head the ball back to his goalkeeper.
JC restored parity early in the second half through Rochard Clarke’s diving header in the 46th minute before snatching victory in the dying moments when Ajani Campbell finished from a corner delivery.
In the feature contest, both teams started brightly, but Excelsior looked the more threatening side in the early exchanges.
They came close to taking the lead on the half-hour mark when Murray struck the crossbar before the goalkeeper gathered the rebound.
Wolmer’s nearly capitalised on an Excelsior error when goalkeeper Jamari Gordon misjudged a ball in the air, presenting Kyle Hussey with an opportunity.
However, Aldeano Walters reacted quickly to clear the danger before Hussey could take advantage.
Excelsior eventually found the breakthrough, with Murray making amends for his earlier miss.
Left unmarked inside the penalty area, he headed home from point-blank range after a free kick was delivered into the box.
Wolmer’s emerged for the second half with greater attacking intent, led by captain Romie Henry from midfield, but were unable to break down the Excelsior defence.
Habbie Mohammed came close to extending Excelsior’s lead against the run of play, but his long-range effort drifted wide.
Wolmer’s continued to press, and Jude Davis forced a diving save from Gordon in the 63rd minute with a strike from distance that appeared destined for the top corner.
However, the Wolmerians’ attacking approach left them exposed at the back, and Excelsior took full advantage.
On a swift counterattack, Mohammed released Williams, who fired a low shot beyond the goalkeeper at the near post.
Williams later had an opportunity to make it 3-0 after creating space for himself, but his effort sailed well wide of the target.
Despite several half-chances for Wolmer’s, Excelsior held firm to secure the win.
The Walker Cup semi-finals are scheduled for Friday, October 9, with JC taking on Mona High and Excelsior facing KC.
Source: Jamaica Gleaner, October 4, 2026. Republished for the Wolmer’s Trust community with attribution.
JC, Excelsior into Walker Cup semis
October 4, 2026
JAMAICA College (JC) and Excelsior High advanced to the semi-finals of the ISSA Walker Cup with 2-1 and 2-0 wins over Eltham High and Wolmer’s Boys’, respectively, at the Stadium East field on Saturday.
In the curtain-raiser, a late strike by Delajahe McCormack in the second minute of stoppage time gave JC a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 win over Eltham.
An own goal by Jaquan Brown gave Eltham the lead in the third minute of stoppage time, after he headed a deflected ball past his advancing goalkeeper.
JC hit back just after the restart when Richard Clarke headed home in the 46th minute to make it 1-1.
Just when it appeared the game was heading to penalties, McCormack tapped home from a corner in the dying moments to complete JC’s comeback.
It was a cruel end for Eltham, who had held their own throughout the game.
JC will meet Mona High in the semi-finals after Mona defeated Vauxhall High 2-1.
In the feature encounter, Excelsior defeated Wolmer’s Boys’ 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals where they will meet Kingston College (KC), who eliminated St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) 4-2 on penalties after the teams had drawn 2-2.
Rivaldo Murray opened the scoring for Excelsior in the 37th minute, turning home from close range after a wonderful free kick from about 40 metres out.
Excelsior thought they had doubled their lead in the 55th minute but the goal was ruled out for handball.
Spurred on by that decision, Wolmer’s took the game to the Manning Cup champions, forcing goalkeeper Jamari Gordon into several outstanding saves as they pushed for the equaliser.
In the 66th minute, Murray almost doubled Excelsior’s lead but his low shot was saved by goalkeeper Arantes Clarke.
Damarley Williams then sealed the win for Excelsior in the 70th minute, scoring from close range after a quick counter-attack.
The four semi-finalists — JC, KC, Excelsior and Mona High — also secured places in the all-island Champions Cup knockout.
Source: Jamaica Observer, October 4, 2026. Republished for the Wolmer’s Trust community with attribution.
