Kempshot poised to seal title

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

The second-leg final of the 2010 St James Football Association (StJFA) Guardian Life division two football competition between Kempshot and Norwood Strikers, which was rained out on Sunday, will be replayed today at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay, starting at 4 p.m.

At the time the game was called off, the teams were locked at 1-1 after 45 minutes of intriguing football, which was played at a hectic pace. Renardo Brown gave Kempshot a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute, while Rushane Reid pulled Norwood Strikers level in the 27th minute.

Come this afternoon, Kempshot, which won the first-leg game 2-0, will need only a draw to secure the title and qualify for next season's Claro division one league, while the Norwood team will have a mountain to climb, needing to score at least two clear goals to get back into the contest.

"Although we were still behind by two goals, I just had the feeling we were going to win," said Reid, who has been quite prolific for Norwood Strikers this season. "We will be going all out for a win in the replay because we want to take this title to Norwood."

Much disappointment

However, for the Kempshot team, there was much disappointment after the game was called off as according to Brown, who has been the mainstay of the team's attack all season, they were just 45 minutes away from the title.

"We were hoping to go home with the title today, but it was not to be," said Brown after the washout. "We are nonetheless confident that ... we will still take home the title."

At the end of the competition, which carries a $600,000 sponsorship tag, the champions team will take home $80,000 and the Guardian Life Trophy, second place $40,000, third $20, 000 and fourth $10, 000. In addition, incentives will awarded to the competition's top goalscorer, top goalkeeper, top midfielder, top defender and Most Valuable Player.