Butler backs Rusea’s to rise after Frome defeat

Frome Technical High School’s Javonnie Whyte scored twice as the visitors came from behind to beat long-time rivals Rusea’s High 4-2 in their ISSA daCosta Cup Zone B clash at the Collin Miller Sports Complex in Lucea yesterday.

In the highly anticipated encounter, Rusea’s needed less than a minute to break the deadlock when Omarion Jemmison fired home to give the hosts an early lead.

Frome responded in the ninth minute when Wayne Mullings converted from the penalty spot to level the scores, but Rusea’s regained the advantage four minutes later through Maliek Headed.

Whyte then drew Frome level before the break, setting up a tense second half.

The visitors completed the comeback in the 75th minute when Whyte outran the Rusea’s defence and calmly slotted home to complete his brace.

With the home fans hoping for a late response, Frome put the result beyond doubt in the 88th minute when Tarique Maxwell rose to head home a cross and seal the victory.

The win lifted Frome to the top of Zone B on 10 points from three wins and a draw, while Rusea’s slipped to second on nine points from three wins and one loss.

Frome coach Cleighton Stephens said his team embraced the “second-half team” label and delivered when it mattered most.

“They said we’re a second-half team, so because of that, we had no problem. We did the job in the second half and played harder. I was nervous because we were tied at half-time,” said Stephens.

“It’s a derby game, so it wasn’t going to be easy. Rusea’s have a nice squad, and their coaching staff are very good, so we knew we had to prepare and come for this one,” he added.

The result continued Frome’s recent success against their western rivals, having made it difficult for Rusea’s to dominate the zone over the past two seasons.

It was also Frome’s first victory over Rusea’s since 2022.

The defeat was Rusea’s first of the campaign.

According to manager Craig Butler, the team would use the setback as an opportunity to refocus.

“Sometimes it’s better to lose early in the competition so you can identify a fault, remove the hubris that may exist in the team, and come back strong, and then you can be champion,” said Butler.

“I think that sometimes when you perform really well, it’s important to remain humble. It’s important to understand the ball is round. Not to make the mistakes, play as a team, and play within the system,” added Butler.

Yesterday’s Results

Irwin 2-1 Spot Valley

St James 2-0 Cambridge

Rusea’s 2-4 Frome Technical

Knockalva 5-0 Grange Hill

York Castle 1-2 Brown’s Town

Bellefield 1-1 Vere Technical

Edwin Allen 1-0 Alphansus Davis

Holmwood 0-3 Knox College

Yallas 2-1 Fair Prospect