‘Tigers’ begin Big 5 defence against Hill

ON THE heels of a 3-0 victory over Malick in their final British Gas Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) North Zone fixture on Saturday, St Anthony’s will begin their defence of the Big 5 (league) title versus Signal Hill today at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo from 4 pm. The Westmoorings lads overcame all comers to win the crown for the first time last year. Left over from that star-studded team are captain Julius James, goalkeeper Keegan Davidson, defenders Yohance Marshall and Marcelle Francois, midfielders Kevon Neaves, Troy Thompson, Christian Cabral, Clevon George and strikers Akil De Freitas and Abiola Sandy. 

Things have not been as rosy for this unit as it was a year ago, with the Tigers losing 0-1 to Fatima and QRC during their zone campaign, which saw the Nigel Grovesnor-coached team capturing their third straight title. Sandy, who hardly figured last year, has been the team’s most potent weapon up front, with George and Thompson both in excellent form in the midfield department. Like Grovesnor, Bertille St Clair has been at the helm for Signal Hill for what seems to be an eternity. Signal Hill, who ended Scarborough’s quest for a third consecutive Tobago Zone crown, were the league winners in 1984, 1987, 1988 and 1998. And they will rest their hopes squarely on the shoulders of playmaker Keon Daniel and striker Massimba George, who have troubled opposing defenders in the sister isle. The Tigers will also have to pay particular attention to fellow midfielders Denzil James and Jason Lightbourne if they are to advance to Saturday’s final.