WHEN ST James High School defeated Lacovia High 4-1 in last Saturday's daCosta Cup semi-final at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay, the undisputed star was 15-year-old striker Allan Ottey, who scored twice.

Ottey, who has combined with strike partner Nicholi Barrett for 42 goals this season, started Lacovia's woes in the 24th minute when he pounced on a looping pass from John Barrett and nodded past the advancing goalkeeper, making the score 1-0.

With St James leading 3-1 late in the game and Lacovia fighting back gallantly, Ottey ended their resistance when he sped away from several defenders before waltzing around the goalkeeper and slotting home, making the final score 4-1.

The affable Ottey, who is also a top sprinter, having qualified for the Class Two 100m at the Boys and Girls Champs, started his football career as a goalkeeper but switched to striker because the coaching staff at St James High felt his speed and ability to kick the ball with both feet were being underutilised.

"I started out this season with the intention of being my team's leading goalscorer and, at present, I am leading, so I am happy," Ottey told The Gleaner recently. "My next big dream was to win both the Ben Francis Cup and the daCosta Cup and I am confident that it will happen," he said.

St James won the Ben Francis Cup with a 4-1 beating of Dinthill Technical and with them in the daCosta Cup final against Spaldings High, Ottey is definitely in line to realise his dream of winning both rural titles.

- Adrian Frater