RAMBLE, Hanover — Defending champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) as well as two other former winners, Rusea’s High and Glenmuir High, could be among four schools that can secure their places in the Inter-zone round of the Inter-secondary Schools’ Sports Association/FLOW daCosta Cup competition, as the return-round continues with 18 games today.

While breathing a sigh of relief, that the island dodged a bullet when it was spared any serious damage from heavy rains and winds during the passage of Hurricane Matthew which would necessitate massive rescheduling, ISSA yesterday rescheduled a number of games from Monday and today for Thursday and Monday.

The lack of sufficient qualified referees was the reason for the rescheduling, the Jamaica Observer was told, and the first round is expected to be extended by one further playing day, next Monday rather than this Saturday.

Seven schools have already booked their tickets to the Inter-zone round — Cornwall College in Zone A, Manchester High and Mile Gully in Zone F, Clarendon College in Zone H, Dinthill Technical in Zone K, Garvey Maceo in Zone M and Vere Technical in Zone N.

Rusea’s High, STETHS and Glenmuir High are all poised to join them, all needing only a point from their respective games, while Thompson Town could become the latest team to qualify for the Inter-zone for the first time with a win over Edwin Allen High and anything but a win for Lennon High.

A point from winless Knockalva Technical in Ramble today would be sufficient for leaders and unbeaten Rusea’s High to take Zone B honours.

After being held 0-0 by Frome at home on Saturday, Rusea’s High are on 11 points, three more than second-placed Frome and six more than Green Island.

STETHS, on 18 points, will have revenge on their mind when they host neighbours Lacovia High in Santa Cruz after losing 0-1 in the first round and need only a point today to book their spot.

Second-placed Lacovia on 13 points and Munro College with 12 points are in a close race for the other Inter-zone spot and both will also be seeking wins today.

Munro, who have a game in hand against STETHS, should win today as they are home to last-placed Black River and will put pressure on Lacovia.

After being held goalless for the second-straight game by Zone M leaders Garvey Maceo in their 0-0 draw on Saturday, Glenmuir need only a point from Denbigh High, the only other team that has any chance of qualifying for the next round.

An upset win by Denbigh, avenging their first-round loss, would throw the race wide open.

In Zone N, Vere Technical will win the zone if they can get a point from their game against Kemps Hill, who would also progress to the next round with a point.

A loss for Kemps Hill would keep Central High’s slim hopes alive as they take on Tacius Golding High, needing a big win.

Thompson Town, meanwhile, are hoping to beat Edwin Allen High for a second time this season, also hoping Knox College can hold Lennon to at least a draw, to book their first berth in the second round with a game to spare.

Thompson Town are on 12 points and will advance if they can win their last two games, but will play away to Clarendon College on Saturday.