Race for JPL top six reaches fever pitch

AS THE end of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) preliminary round draws closer and the race for the top six play-off spots intensifies, teams are guarding points even more rigidly than before and it will be interesting to see who folds when leaders Arnett Gardens play away to third-place Mount Pleasant and sixth-place Waterhouse host fourth-place Harbour View in Sunday’s feature games.

At Drax Hall, Mount Pleasant play Arnett at 3:15 p.m., while Waterhouse take on Harbour View at the Waterhouse mini-stadium at 4 p.m.

Arnett lead the JPL standings with 42 points, two more than Cavalier in second and five clear of Mount Pleasant in third, and assistant coach Dicoy Williams says although it feels different at the top, they are working hard to stay in pole position.

“This is a new position for Arnett. Even as a player at Arnett we are always chasing the top,” he explained

He pointed that even their fans have come to prefer when they finish in the lower half of the top six as that usually signals a title for them.

However, he said they have embarked on a new approach this season and a win against Mount Pleasant would be like six points, he added.

“Fans would be comfortable with us coming in at sixth, fifth because they know the history of us coming from fifth and sixth and winning the title. So it’s new ground being at the top and trying to stay at the top,” he admitted.

“But the players know what it takes and they are up for it. Three points would be like six for us if we win this game. So we are putting in the work because we know what this victory will mean on Sunday.”

Since beating Tivoli at the end of February, Mount Pleasant have gone five games without a win, losing their place at the top in the process.

However, assistant coach Warren Barrett said every team has to deal with a slump some time during a season but insists it is how you respond.

“Mentally, the season can be draining. Every team has its challenges throughout the season. Sometimes it’s at the start, sometimes in the middle, and sometimes at the end.

“You do not choose when that poor run of form sets in, it is what you do when it happens.

“We need to continue to do the right things and help the players overcome the hurdle,” he said.

He added that: “We are hoping to have a good display and hopefully at the end of 90 minutes, we will come out with three points.”

At Waterhouse, Harbour View will be eager to put last week’s defeat behind them when they face the home team but coach Ludlow Bernard knows historically this is one of their toughest fixtures.

Nevertheless, three points are of ultimate importance.

“It is very important we get three points. The first eight teams are tightly bunched and no one can afford to slip.

“We were soundly beaten 4-0 the last round and that is a situation we take very seriously.

“Going to Waterhouse is going to be very difficult but we are focus on ensuring we do the right things so we can get the right result.”

Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle praised his players for weathering the storm of their early season struggles and finding their rhythm. However, he knows what to expect when these giants clash.

Sixth-place Waterhouse (36 points) are only three points ahead of the surging Portmore and Gayle is hoping for a fifth win in six games.

“We are looking at the standing and Portmore’s finding momentum, Dunbeholden is winning. So we have our work cut out. We cannot sit on our laurels. So even though we are playing at home, it is not a given that we are going to win. We have to be prepared,” he said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Today’s Games

Molynes vs Faulkland at Waterhouse mini-stadium at 2 p.m.

Waterhouse vs Harbour View at Waterhouse mini-stadium at 4:15 p.m.

Dunbeholden vs MoBay Utd at Drax Hall at 1 p.m.

Mount Pleasant vs Arnett at Drax Hall at 3:15 p.m.

Portmore vs Tivoli at Ferdie Neita Park at 4 p.m.

Tomorrow’s Games

Cavalier vs Humble Lion at Ashenheim Stadium at 5 p.m.

Chapelton vs Vere at Ashenheim Stadium at 7:30 p.m.