Tigers, Arima look to stay on top

DEFENDING CHAMPS St Anthony’s and Arima will be looking to consolidate their position today atop the North and East Zones of the British Gas Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL).

A full slate of matches will be held from 3.45 pm in all five zones — North, East, South, Central and Tobago. The “Westmoorings Tigers” have a two-point edge over QRC, and the back-to-back North Zone princes can maintain their lead with victory against Mucurapo at the St Anthony’s Grounds. The Royalians, in the midst of a four-match winning streak, will have a relatively easy task at home to Diego Martin; while St Mary’s, who currently occupy the cellar position, face a daunting challenge versus Fatima at the Fatima Grounds. In the zone’s other fixture, Morvant/Laventille will look to end a four-match losing run against Malick at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. Arima can preserve their lead with victory against St George’s at the St George’s Grounds, Barataria.

The “Dial Dynamos” are the only unbeaten team left in the zone, and their experience and skill will prove a difficult proposition for the improved Georgians. The “Green Machine” St Augustine should have little worry in disposing of Barataria at the Barataria Grounds while El Dorado can return to winning ways against Hillview at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya. And the bottom two teams Toco and San Juan will face off at the Sangre Grande Recreation Grounds. With Pleasantville and St Benedict’s in a neck-and-neck race for the top spot, 2002 zonal winners Princes Town can take pole position if they can defeat the La Romain-based St Benedict’s at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella. If Benedict’s fall short of full points, Pleasantville can go clear atop the table with a win away to Fyzabad, who have struggled for any form of consistency this season.

Naparima, trying to catch up with the leaders, meet Vessigny at Skinner Park, San Fernando while in the clash of the cellar-placed teams, Presentation San Fernando host Mayaro. One of the day’s feature encounters will take place at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, with Central Zone leaders Carapichaima squaring off against an improved Union Claxton Bay while defending champs Presentation Chagua-nas host Chaguanas Senior. Back-to-back Tobago champs Scarborough and archrivals Signal Hill will go head to head for the lead, with Scarborough meeting Elizabeth’s at Shaw Park while Signal Hill will travel to Roxborough.