Arima, ‘El Do’ in top-of-table clash

EAST ZONE leaders Arima and El Dorado will face off in a top-of-the-table clash in the British Gas Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) today. The traditional rivals will vie for top spot in the zone from 3.45 pm at El Dorado Grounds, with the 2002 Zonal princes, the “Dial Dynamos” holding a plus-seven goal difference over the “Blue Thunder”. Another traditional East Zone giants St Augustine will travel west to Bourg Mulatresse to meet San Juan, who are yet to register a point after two matches so far. “The Green Machine” are tipped to record their second straight win following a 6-0 demolition at home to Hillview on Monday while St George’s, who trounced San Juan 6-3 two days ago, will travel a few miles to face neighbours Barataria at the Barataria Grounds. Hillview and Toco will each be vying for their first triumph of the season when they meet at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya.

Another thriller is in store at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo with Malick and defending champs St Anthony’s looking to rebound from defeats on Monday last. Malick were humbled 2-0 against QRC while the “Westmoorings Tigers” were edged 1-0 at home to Fatima and, in a group which sees no clear cut favourites, will be going all out for full points. But both teams will be wary of Morvant/Laventille, who have stormed to the top following a 4-2 win over St Mary’s on Saturday and a 1-0 victory over Mucurapo on Monday. Morvant/Laventille will oppose Fatima at the Fatima Grounds with a chance to remain in front of the competitive zone, Diego Martin hosts Mucurapo while long-standing rivals St Mary’s and the Royalians will battle at the CIC Grounds, Serpentine Road, St Clair.

South Zone leaders St Benedict’s is another team eyeing their third successive victory, and will have the perfect opportunity against Mayaro at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella from 5 pm while Naparima and Pleasantville will face off in the earlier match of the double-header from 3 pm. Reigning champs Princes Town look for their first victory this season at home to Fyzabad with Presentation San Fernando trying to halt a two-match slide at the Mahaica Oval against Vessigny. Presentation Chaguanas will not begin the defence of their Central Zone crown until Saturday at home to Carapichaima. With the champs on a bye, the other four teams will go into action today, with Chaguanas Senior hosting Union Claxton Bay while Carapichaima square off against Tabaquite at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.