Duckie, Davis hunt title

Jermaine Lannaman, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Waterhouse coach Donovan Duckie and his Arnett Gardens counterpart Paul 'Tegat' Davis are both expressing confidence heading into today's final of the 3rd annual preseason KSAFA/Claro Champions Cup.

The game, which is slated for the Edward Seaga Sports Complex beginning at 6 p.m., will see both coaches looking to start their 2011-2012 on a winning note after less-than-desirable performance in the Premier League last season.

Waterhouse finished sixth in the league, while Arnett Gardens narrowly avoided relegation after finishing in the lower half of the points table.

"I think the team is performing reasonably well, albeit there is still room for improvement, and I am looking forward to us going all the way," said Davis, who was hired by the club midway last season.

"The game, however, will not be an easy one as Waterhouse are playing well and have been scoring goals. But we have to see how best we can contain them, while, at the same time, get the goals that will be necessary to come out on top," he added.

unbeaten record

Arnett, who will look to in-form midfielders Kirk Ramsey and Errol Stephenson and striker Newton Sterling, have so far notched up an unbeaten record in the competition, having won two and drawn the other two of their matches thus far.

In their preliminary-round games, they drew 2-2 with Waterhouse and Tivoli Gardens and defeated Meadforrest 11-0.

They then got the better of Harbour View 3-1 in the semi-finals.

Waterhouse, on the other hand, who are also yet to drop a point, and in Jermaine 'Tuffy' Anderson have the competition's leading goalscorer, have won three and drawn one match.

Their other results include a 2-0 win over Meadforrest, a 2-1 win over Tivoli, and a 2-0 triumph over Cavalier in the semi-finals.

Anderson has so far scored in all of their games, and seven of their eight goals are to his credit.

positive start to the season

"We would love to lift up this Cup and make a positive start to the season," said Duckie, who was recently acquired by the Drewsland-based club.

Duckie coached another Premier League outfit, Sporting Central, last season.

"It's a good feeling as, last year, we did not achieve this feat. Arnett are well prepared under Davis and we will have to be on top of our game. However, once we show the necessary adjustment and discipline we should be able to cope."

Waterhouse, in addition to Anderson, have been getting good performances from midfielders, captain Vincent Earle and Hugh Howell, and goalkeeper Kelso Cousins.

The winning team will take home $250,000, the runners-up $170,000, the third-place finishers $150,000, and the fourth-place finishers, $70,000.