St George's College supporters erupt in celebration after their team won the ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel Manning Cup trophy for the 19th time, after beating Bridgeport High 3-2 in extra time at the National Stadium on Saturday. - Ian Allen/Photographer

The National Stadium was a hotbed of excitement long before the start of the highly anticipated ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel Manning Cup final clash between defending champions St George's College and Bridgeport High on Saturday, as fans of both schools, decked in their respective team 'armoury', created a blanket of colour inside the venue.

Drums blared in contrasting melody as both set of fans - marching bands in tow - added to the atmosphere their own brands of merriment; the vibe was building, kick-off was now only moments away.

The 'Georgians' had the clear advantage in terms of support, with two-thirds of the grandstand section transformed into a sea of light blue-clad spectators and although the North Street-based school is for the most part an all-boys institution (except for its sixth form), the female support that they enjoyed was surprisingly overwhelming.

Not to be outdone, the Bridgeport mass clearly did not travel across the toll to play second fiddle to their more celebrated opponents and made themselves quite at home inside the venue, out-singing and out-dancing the Georgians during the early moments.

Orane Newby looked a little nervous as he spoke to The Gleaner about his team's chances. Clad in a red polo shirt, matching shoes and the tie that he wore during his days as a student, there was no questioning as to where his allegiance stood.

A picture of confidence

"It's a privilege to come back to the National Stadium and to see Bridgeport, the best school in Portmore, again in the final. It's crazy, colour red is the best colour. Listen, St George's colours are watered down and I am predicting a 2-1 Bridgeport win," he offered as the opening chords of the National Anthem rang through the loud speakers.

Senior teacher Michelle Baughcooke was a picture of calm confidence as she spoke of the team's chances and its influence on the community.

"We have a more rounded team and if we play to the coach's instructions St George's won't have a chance. Teachers, past students, parents, everybody is here, the team has really brought us together. It (football) has helped to establish the school but in terms of predictions (scoreline) I have none, but we are going to win," said Baughcooke.

Lending support

Eric Clarke in the meantime did not even attend St George's, but was all decked out in their colours lending a voice of support.

Said Clarke: "The vibe is there, very hyped I'm loving it. I'm not a past student but I love the whole vibes with the team and most of my friends used to attend the school."

Marlon Cooke was very straightforward in his prediction.

"We (St. George's) are the real class team in this competition and we will win this one easily. They (Bridgeport) are a little dangerous but they cannot stand up to us; 3-0 to St George's."

And with that the game started and after their initial celebrations, the St George's section was silenced in the 20th minute after Kenrick Preston's tap-in gave Bridgeport the lead, triggering wild celebrations among their fans.

Their cheers were, however, shortlived as playmaker Marvin Morgan unleashed a beast of a shot to equalise two minutes later that almost took the net off the posts.

Penalty kick

The 'Georgians' found their voice again and this time, not even the pouring rain could tame their celebrations.

Second-half goals from Bridgeport's Jameel Hardware (47th) and Morgan (54th) ensured tense final moments but while the Bridgeport masses watched with deep concern, the St George's faithfuls partied in the downpour and urged their team on and as the match laboured into extra-time, they received their reward in the second period when their leading marksman McKaully Tulloch converted a penalty kick to hand his team their 19th hold on the trophy.