Naparima out to dent Green Machine today

BACK-TO-BACK RBTT Intercol runner-up Naparima will open the 2003 national play-offs today with a preliminary round clash against “Green Machine” St Augustine at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella from 4 pm.

Naps cruised past St Benedict’s 2-0 to claim the South Zone Intercol trophy on Monday while St Augustine were unable to hold on to a one-goal advantage, and were beaten 2-1 by Arima in the East Zone decider on Tuesday. The “Green Machine” only had two days rest before today’s match, and they run the risk of fatigue against the attack-minded Naparima outfit. And, looking at their performance on Tuesday afternoon, they need to be at their best in order to book a place in the quarterfinals where they will face Arima on November 18. Expected to lead the St Augustine attack is striker Shane Calderon, who is certain to delight the crowd in Marabella with his footwork and dribbling ability.

But while the “Green Machine” relies on one player for success, the Naps team is a more rounded bunch, benefitting throughout the season from solid contributions from veteran midfielder/striker Brenton De Leon, Ateba Forde, Kern Robertson (who scored both goals on Monday), Ancil Farrier, Aaron Downing as well as cousins Kezi and Dezi Lara. The “Green Machine” will be aiming for their third Intercol crown, after winning the tournament in 1981 and 1984 while Naparima lifted the trophy five times — in 1973, 1976, 1977, 1999 and 2000.

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"Naparima out to dent Green Machine today"

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