Duanvale, Fire FC in opening clash of Trelawny Division One football competition

WESTERN BUREAU:

Six matches are down to be contested on the opening weekend of the new season of the Trelawny FA Monymusk Plantation Major League, with the clash between Duanvale and League newcomers Fire FC grabbing the most attention today.

Duanvale were in the running for the title last year, but faltered close to the end, which allowed Clarks Town to steal a march on them and lift the title. Clarks Town are now competing in the Western Confederation Super League.

Fire FC are stepping up in class after lifting the Division One crown last season and will want a good start to life in the Major League.

Duanvale, on the other hand, will feel they have the edge, especially since they will be playing on familiar turf at the Duanvale Sports Ground and will be keen on kicking off the season with a victory.

In the other matchups today, Holland FC tackle Bunker Hill at Elleston Wakeland Centre, Spicy Hill host Kinloss at Georgia Sports Ground, and former champions, Harmony, meet Classic United at Bounty Hall Sports Ground. All matches will kick off at 3 p.m.

Early favourites Baca Star United will bow into action tomorrow against an expectedly tough Daniel Town FC at the Elleston Wakeland Centre, while Coopers Pen host Rio Bueno in the day's other fixture, also at 3 p.m.

The 12-team league is broken down into two zones, with teams in each zone playing each other twice, after which, the top team on points in each zone will play for the mid-season trophy.

The competition continues thereafter with the cross-zone matches. Teams in zone one will play those in zone two once, after which, the top four with the most points will contest the semi-finals.

Today's matches

n Holland Utd vs Bunker Hill SC

at Elleston Wakeland Centre

n Duanvale FC vs Fire FC at

Duanvale Sports Ground

n Spicy Hill FC vs Kinloss FC at

Georgia Sports Ground

n Harmony FC vs Classic Utd at

Bounty Hall Sports Ground

Tomorrow's games

n Baca Star Utd vs Daniel Town FC at Elleston Wakeland Centre

n Coopers Pen vs Rio Bueno at Coopers Pen Sports Ground