Two champions dethroned in western tourney

Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU: New champions will be crowned in both the 'premier league' and 'division one' of the 2011 J Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum-sponsored Western Jamaica Domino League, as both defending champions were beaten in last Sunday's second round of semi-final games at the Dynasty Cub in Montego Bay.

In the premier league matchup, the underdogs, Tropical Riddim of Hopewell in Hanover, created a stunning upset, when they surprised the overwhelming favourites and defending champions Assassin of Trelawny by a close 300-295 margin.

By virtue of their win, Tropical Riddim will meet Trelawny's Fighter Jet in the championship showdown, which is slated for Sunday, October 30. Fighter Jet secured their place in the final after their impressive 300-265 win against Tuff Gong in their semi-final clash.

In the division one game, Intouch of Westmoreland created an even bigger upset when they upstaged last year's Champion of Champions winner, Star International, in their semi-final game. Intouch's opponent in the final will be Uptown, who eliminated Tornado 300-287 in the previous semi-final.

all parishes represented

"As the organisers of the competition, we could not have asked for a better situation, as all four western parishes are represented in the two finals," said Walford Morgrade, president of the Western Domino League. "This is showing that domino is growing in all four parishes, and that is exactly what we wanted to see."

In their premier league game against Assassin, Tropical Riddim started off with a bang and were pretty much in control at the half-time break with a good 154-145 lead. Following the break, Assassin rebounded and at one stage led by 15 points. However, Tropical Riddim were not to be denied as they stormed back to snatch victory.

In the division one game against the much-vaunted Star International, Intouch took an early lead and never looked back as they entered the half-time break with a 151-150 advantage. In the second period, they completely dominated, moving away for their impressive 20-point win.

With the finalists getting a break this weekend, the beaten semi-finalists will square off in third-place play-off games this weekend at the Dynasty Cub. In the premier league game, Tuff Gong will battle Assassin while in the division one Star International will battle Tornado.

The premier league champions will pocket $100,000 and the J Wray & Nephew championship trophy, while the division one champions will take home $65,000.