Gilbert expects stiffer competition for dominant Frazsier’s Whip

JAMAICA WOMEN’S Premier League’s top team, Frazsier’s Whip, was expected to face their biggest test of the season at the weekend when the Zone A leaders faced Zone B table-toppers Cavalier.

The result proved to be less of a challenge for Frazsier’s Whip than would have first been imagined with the Zone A leaders running out 5-0 winners.

Still, Frazsiers coach Xavier Gilbert insists his side are not clear favourites for the title.

“It is still early days and we have work to do. As the competition progresses teams are going to get better.

“We are a little better conditioned than most teams, so we have been able to outrun them. But as the competition progresses it is going to get a little more competitive down the stretch,” he said

The league’s leading scorer, Shaneil Buckley, netted twice to take her tally to 13, as did Christina Salmon, who now has nine goals. Notoya Akinson scored the other.

“It was a very good performance and I have to credit them,” Gilbert said.

“We took the lead early but we still didn’t settle as best as we could. But in the second half we really put on a show and score some goals.

“They gave it their all. But scoring early put them on the back foot and once we scored again they got a little undisciplined and took some more risk and we were able to capitalise.”

Cavalier manager Omar Stanley, who stood in for coach Everdean Scarlett on the day, agreed with Gilbert’s assessment.

“We played a competitive first half. At halftime it was 1-0. We made some tactical adjustment but I thought we were a bit undisciplined tactically.

“The holiday break also impacted our second half, our fitness wasn’t up to par and Frazsiers saw the opportunity and went for the kill,” he said.

Frazsier’s, with 15 points, are six points clear of Olympic Gardens (9), who defeated Vere 4-1. Baptiste Alliance stay third with six points after a 3-0 win over Real MoBay. Fourth-place Springers, who drew 3-3 with Royal Lakes, have four points, while Rangers are yet to get off the mark after their 5-1 loss to Mile Gully.

Cavalier lead Zone B with 12 points, followed by Vere and Mile Gully on nine, Royal Lakes are fourth with four points and Real MoBay are yet to notch a point at the bottom.

Saturday’s results

Frazsier’s Whip 5 - 0 Cavalier

Baptiste Alliance 3 - 0 Real MoBay

Mile Gully 5 - 1 Rangers

Springers 3 - 3 Royal Lakes

Olympic Gardens 4 - 1 Vere