Clarendon College got off to a slow start in the defence of their ISSA/Wata DaCosta Cup title after being held 1-1 by Lennon High in their Zone H game played at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Saturday.

After being unbeaten in the first round over the last two seasons and losing just once in the last three years, Clarendon College were second best for most of the game and failed to reproduce the quality football that saw them complete an unbeaten season in the daCosta Cup last year.

Richard King gave Clarendon College the lead in the fourth minute when he converted from the penalty spot but Alphonso Johnson levelled for Lennon High in the 13th minute.

The game was dull and had little for the fans to cheer for with frequent breaks in the sweltering afternoon sun but Clarendon College jumped out to a quick lead after Omar Bent was taken down in the box and King stepped up to bury the resulting penalty kick.

Lennon drew level in the 13th minute when the tricky Johnson got away down the left side, cut inside close to the 18 yards area and fired a low shot into the far corner past goalkeeper Prince-Daniel Smith.

Lennon High should have take the lead in the 32nd minute when Jerome Williams had a clear run at the Clarendon College goal but shot tamely into the hands of the goalkeeper.