INTER-ZONE BATTLE HEATS UP
WESTERN BUREAU: SOME 33 matches are set to continue the ISSA/FLOW daCosta Cup competition this afternoon, all kicking off at 3:30 p.m. These will be the last set of matches in the first round – some of which will determine who advance to the second round, while for those who have already qualified, today’s results will be crucial to the ranking of the seeded second round.
One very interesting match-up will be the top-of-the-table clash between Zone B leaders Rusea’s High (23 points) and Green Island High (20 points) at Green Island’s playing field.
It will be a difficult ask of Green Island to go through as zone leaders as they would have to beat Rusea’s by at least 11 clear goals. Apart from trying to prevail as zone winners, they will have to win to advance, as Frome sit just two points behind them and could leapfrog them with a win over Knockalva.
When these two teams met at Rusea’s in their previous encounter, it resulted in a nilall draw. However, Green Island have a perfect win record at home and should make things difficult for their guests.
If Green Island don’t pick up maximum points, Frome will have the perfect chance to grab second place and qualification with a win of their own, despite the fact they could still go through as one of two best third-place qualifiers, from the look of things right now even if they fail to get all three points in their assignment.
PLAN TO KEEP CLEAN RECORD
Green Island’s coach Dwayne Watson said they are prepared to maintain their 100 per cent win record at home, adding that getting the full three points is their focus in order to secure a sure place in the next round, while noting that they plan to pull out all the stops come this afternoon.
“A win is what the doctor ordered and we are at home, where we are strongest so we are very positive and focus going into the game. Home is a fortress for us. Scoring 15 goals and conceding just one and recent results have been in our favour against Rusea’s,” Watson pointed out.
Rusea’s coach Vassell Reynolds is equally determined to end the game on top.
“The game is very important to us for a number of reasons. One, we want to continue the momentum and preparation for the Inter-Zone, and two, mathematically we are not the zone winners as yet. We need to go there and secure the points, so we take the match very seriously, and we are prepared physically and mentally for this match,” said Reynolds.