Unbeaten Royal Lakes in full flow

Royal Lakes have taken the early lead in the St Catherine Major League. Javar Hutchinson netted a brace in their 3-1 home win on Saturday against Albion to make in three consecutive wins.

Leon Hutchinson-coached Royal Lakes are on maximum nine points, two ahead of Frazier’s Whip. Hutchinson said their ambition is to return to the Super League. He is convinced their preseason preparation has made the difference.

“We really anticipated the good start because we had a good preseason. I attribute it to us being more prepared. It has made a difference in the latter part of the games, plus we have a little quality. Where we are now is a result of the preseason preparation,” he told STAR Sports.

“The preparation is why we are doing well. I feel at this point we are a little more prepared. There are areas we need to work on, because when you win, it does not mean everything is all right. It can fool you,” he added.

FIGHT TO THE END

Hutchinson pointed out that Royal Lakes are also a resilient team that fights to the end, as their first two opponents found out.

“We play to the end. Against Federal, it was the last five minutes we won that game. It was the same against Raiders. We were 1-1 half-time and scored two in the last 20 minutes to win 3-1,” he recalled.

The team has drawn a lot of confidence from its perfect start. Hutchinson said they aim to push on to the Super League, though he expects Frazier’s Whip to challenge them.

“We want to reach Super League, where we belong. The ambition is to win the Major League and return to the Super League,” he said of the team that features topscorer, Javar Raffington (3), captain Orville Mullings, Jevaughn Bahlai and Jamaica College Manning Cup winner Malique Campbell.

Royal Lakes have so far netted eight goals, twice the number of all but one team (third-place Newland), while conceding three goals in as many matches.