Adrian Frater, News Editor
Rusea's Roydell Moncrieffe will be a key figure in today's Ben Francis KO semi-final against Grange Hill at Jarrett Park. - photo by Adrian Frater
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE FINALISTS in the Ben Francis Knockout competition will be decided today when Rusea's and Grange Hill meet in one semi-final at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay, and Garvey Maceo and Dinthill meet in the other at Brancourt in Clarendon.
The Garvey Maceo-Dinthill clash, which was originally slated for the Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday, was called off ahead of the 3:00 p.m. start because of a waterlogged playing surface. A decision was then taken to play the game at Brancourt today.
The Rusea's versus Grange Hill game at Jarrett Park promises to be an epic affair as both teams are coming off impressive quarter-final wins. Rusea's knocked off Manchester High 2-0, while Grange Hill outscored Cornwall College 4-2 on penalties after the teams had ended 2-2 after regulation and extra time.
Rusea's, the kingpins in Zone A of the ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel daCosta Cup, are bubbling with confidence and, according to coach Anthony 'Follies' Williams, the fact that they are in the semi-finals is a clear indication that they have set their sights on winning this competition.
"We are in an upbeat mood at this time and I can tell you that we are quite confident that we will make it into the final," said Williams. "We are expecting a tough game from Grange Hill because, in beating Cornwall College in Montego Bay, they have shown that they are indeed a good team."
Hope to take history further
Buoyed by their win over Cornwall College, which was both spectacular and surprising, the Grange Hill camp is hoping to take their historic run to another level but knocking off Rusea's and getting into the final at their first attempt.
"We are not only ready for tomorrow, we are also ready for Saturday's final also," said Errol Stewart, the head of sports at Grange Hill. "When I look at the way the boys are playing, we can't help but be very confident of going all the way in this season."
While Rusea's victory bid is expected to revolve around top goalscorers Damian Thompson (eight), Andre Atkinson (eight), Roydell Moncrieffe (six) and Clinton Clarke (six), Grange Hill look awesome with the likes of Ronaldo Jowehill, Andre Patterson, Jermaine Green and Troy Titus.
