Hanover, Challenger clash in the west

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

The curtain will come down on the 2010 Steve Bucknor Masters Football League this afternoon with what promises to be an epic final between many-time champions Hanover

Masters and first-time finalists Challenger at the Lion’s Den at Tucker, Irwin in Montego Bay, starting at 4 p.m.

“Hanover Masters were awarded full points from their aborted semi-finals against Violet Tourers so we have decided to play the final as was originally scheduled,” said Bryan Miller, of the competition’s steering committee. “We are anticipating a very good game between these two teams.”

The final was left in a state of uncertainty following last weekend’s second leg semi-final fist-fight between former national captain Warren Barrett and referee Donat McKenley, which resulted in a premature end to the game, with Challenger leading 1-0.

Result to stand

With the League’s steering committee ruling that the final result would stand at 1-0, the Hanover Masters team, which had won the first leg game 4-1 won the tie 5-1 on aggregate, which was enough to seal their place in today’s final.

Challenger booked their place in the final in less dramatic fashion as after winning their first leg semi-final 1-0 against Logwood Stump, they played out a 0-0 draw in last weekend’s second leg game to win the two-way tie 1-0 on aggregate.

Based on their performance throughout the season, the star-studded Hanover Masters, who were beaten in last year’s final by Violet Tourers should start as favourites. In fact, with the likes of former national players Devon Rickettes and Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis alongside seasoned campaigner Flaize Warren, Venton Evans and Philmore Thompson, they should prove hard to beat.

Challenger who have been having an excellent season, must fancy their chances of upstaging the Hanover Masters. In fact, based on the their excellent form this season, the likes of former Seba United stars Andrew Edwards and Omar Clarke and the gifted Michael Brown and Andrew Vacianna must be extremely confident of victory.

The winning team will take home the Steve Bucknor Trophy and individual gold medals for each team member while individual members of the losing team will receive silver medals.