Assassin lift mid-season crown

Western Bureau: Assassin captured the first title of the 2011 J. Wray & Nephew-sponsored Western Domino League on Sunday when they defeated Tuff Gong 300-294 in the competition's mid-season finals at Father Bull's Restaurant, Bar & Grill at Long Bay, in Trelawny.

"It was one of those finals which will not be easily forgotten by those who saw it," said Clint Parkins, the tournament's information officer. "It is just a pity that one of the teams had to lose ... . It was a fantastic match."

In what was an enthralling match-up, the two teams, which qualified for the mid-season finals by virtue of topping their respective zones in the competition's 16-team preliminary round, gave fans a taste of what they can expect in the upcoming Premier League, which will ultimately produce the eventual champion.

As was expected, the fancied Assassin had the better of the early action and went on to establish a close 150-146 half-time lead. In the second half, the action remained intense as the gutsy Tuff Gong battled on bravely. However, the resolute Assassin held on to win by their close 300-294 margin.

In the other two games scheduled for Sunday at the same venue, Tropical Riddim edged Fighter Jet 300-297 in the play-off for second place in Zone B, while Logwood failed to show up for their rescheduled Zone A fixture against Tornado, giving their opponents full points.

The final points standing among the eight qualifiers for the premier league: Zone A - Tuff Gong 59, Strike Force 58, Dynasty 52 and Deeside Untouchables 51. Zone B - Assassin 59, Tropical Riddim 58, Fighter Jet 58 and Cool Wave 52.

Knockout format

"Based on the format, the top eight teams from the first round will play-off in a knockout format for the championship trophy and the $100,000 winners' purse," said Parkins. "The bottom eight will play-off in a Division One knockout, which will see the winners taking home $55,000."

The eight teams contesting the Division One league are: Unity Strikers, Morning Star, Retrieve and Uptown from Zone A and Ewing Striker, Logwood, Intouch and Rainbow from Zone B.

In addition to the J. Wray & Nephew Trophy and $100,000 which will go to the winners of the Premier League, the second-place team will pocket $70,000, third place - $50,000 and fourth place - $30,000.

In tomorrow's first-round matches, which will feature one Premier League and one Division One match, the fixture reads: Tuff Gong vs Cool Waves in the Premier League and Uptown vs Morning Stars in Division One. Both games will be played at Father Bull's Restaurant, Bar & Grill.