North, South crowns on the line today

THE NORTH and South Zone crowns can be determined today as action continues in the 2004 British Gas Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL). Leaders Mucurapo and North Zone title-holders, “Tigers” St Anthony’s, have a game on hand but Mucurapo have a four-point cushion over the Tigers. Mucurapo will need to defeat St Mary’s at the CIC Ground, St Clair to end the Tigers’ hopes of a three-peat while St Anthony’s must defeat QRC at the QRC Ground to have any chance of retaining their crown. Two other North Zone matches are on schedule today, when Fatima host Malick and the bottom-two, Tranquillity and Morvant/Laventille, meet at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. Meanwhile, one point separates South Zone leaders Naparima and Princes Town.

Naparima need a win against Vessigny, at the Mahaica Oval, to retain their title but any slip-up can pave the way for Princes Town to claim the Zonal title, if they earn three points at home to Fyzabad. At the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, St Benedict’s face Moruga while Mayaro will host Pleasantville. East Zone title-holders, the “Green Machine” St Augustine, will welcome St George’s to their home ground while second-placed San Juan travel to the Larry Gomes Stadium to meet hosts Arima. The consistent Hillview will oppose neighbours El Dorado at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Tunapuna and, in the clash of the table-proppers, Barataria will host Valencia.

In the central Zone Presentation will be aiming for their 10th straight victory when they host Carapichaima while Marabella Junior will be looking to conclude their fantastic debut season with a win away to Chaguanas Senior. In the other central encounter, Tabaquite and Union Claxton Bay will square off at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva. All matches will kick off at 3.45 pm with the exception of the Tobago Zone double-header at Shaw Park, with newly-crowned champs Scarborough meeting Bishop’s at 2 pm while dethroned winners Signal Hill opposing the hapless Elizabeth’s two hours later.