Trelawny, Reggae Boyz clash today

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Trelawny-based players with national aspirations will get a glorious chance to impress national coach Theodore Whitmore this afternoon when a Trelawny National Rums Invitational XI match skills with Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz at the Elliston Wakeland Youth Centre in Falmouth, starting at 3 p.m.

The much anticipated game which is expected to attract a large crowd, will be preceded by a 1:30 p.m. curtain-raiser between a Trelawny Under-15 team and their KSAFA counterparts.

"This is a chance for our players to show the national coach what they can do so I am sure they will be giving it their best effort," said Marline Brown, the first vice-president of the Trelawny Football Association. "We are expecting a full house because it is not often that we get to entertain the national team here in Trelawny."

The Trelawny National Rums Invitational XI will be made up of primarily players from parish champions Harmony FC, beaten finalists Clarke’s Town as well from the parish’s sole

Digicel Premier League outfit, Village United.

Among the Trelawny players who are expected to give a good account of themselves are Carlington Clarke (Harmony), Cedric Clarke (Harmony), Coy Jenkins (Harmony), Oshane Stewart (Harmony), Romaine Roberts (Clarke’s Town) and Dhane Johnson (Clarke’s Town).

Bright young players

"We have a crop of very good young players in this parish and we are always seeking out all available avenues to provide them with exposure," Linnel McLean, the TFA president, told The Sunday Gleaner in a recent interview. "We have been placing a lot of emphasis on youth football within recent times and thankfully, we are now seeing the results."

For national technical director Theodore Whitmore, who was left frustrated last weekend when the Reggae Boyz’ scheduled game against a St James/Claro XI was aborted after members of the St James Referees Group withdrew their services following a fist-fight between former national captain Warren Barrett and referee Donat McKenley, this is an opportunity to continue his recruitment drive.

"We are also looking out for players with the qualities we are looking for in selecting players for the national programme," Whitmore told The Sunday Gleaner following the aborted game at Jarrett Park.