Invaders move into semis
Published:Tuesday | June 28, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Adrian Frater, News Editor
Western Bureau:
Former parish champions Invaders became the second qualifier for the semi-finals of the 2011 Trelawny Football Association (TFA) National Rums of Jamaica Major League football competition on Sunday, when they blanked Spicey Hill 5-1 to surge to the top of the standings in the 12-team championship.
The win, Invaders' 10th in 21 games, lifted their tally to 37 points, enough to see them joining early qualifiers Granville, who were relegated to second place in the standings after their surprise 2-0 loss to Duanvale. Granville started the round atop the standings with 36 points.
Interestingly, Duanvale's win against Granville lifted them back into contention for a semi-final place. They now have 31 points and with a win in this weekend's final round of preliminary games, Duanvale could advance if the other contenders falter.
Holland and mid-season champions Kinloss both came within touching distance of sealing their semi-final slots, with important 2-0 and 3-0 wins against Jackson Town and Palmento, respectively. Holland now sit in third place on 34 points, while Kinloss are fourth on 33.
Clarke's Town, which started the round fifth place on 29 points and in with a slim chance of advancing, were knocked out of contention after going down 3-2 to out-of-contention Flames.
In their game against Spicey Hill, Omar Williams was the hero for Invaders, scoring four of the five goals. Jermaine Maxwell accounted for the fifth goal, while Domain Williams accounted for Spicey Hill's consolation.
In a classy display before the Spicey Hill goal, Williams (Omar) dominated the first half with goals in the 16th, 29th and 45th minutes, which gave Invaders a 3-0 half-time lead. Spicey Hill got on the scoresheet in the 52nd minute through Williams (Domain), but Williams (Omar) and Maxwell netted again in the 55th and 79th minutes to seal Invaders' win.
In their game against Jackson Town, Romaine Lewis scored twice in Holland's 2-0 win, while in the Kinloss game, Gilbert Dixon (23rd, 29th) and Ronique Haynes (39th) scored for an easy win against Palmento.
The eventual champions will take home the National Rums of Jamaica Trophy and $150,000. The other prizes are as follows: second place $75,000, third $50,0000 and fourth $30,000.