DEFENDING Champions Sting and favourites Hanover maintained their unbeaten record in their latest matches in the Carimed Western Masters football league last weekend.

Former national striker Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis was once again on the scorecard as, along with Steve Bailey, he gave Hanover the goals they needed to beat Disciples of Bunkers Hill 2-0. This win put Hanover on a maximum 30 points from 10 games, all of which they have won in Zone ‘B’.

Battling for second place in the group, with the hope of qualifying for a semifinal place, are St James teams Hornets and Violet Tourers, both of whom are tied on 19 points from eight games. Both teams were 2-0 winners over their rivals on Sunday, with Hornets beating Infernal and Violet Tourers getting past Montpelier.

Falmouth drew 2-2 with Mount Salem to fall behind on 13 points from seven games. However, with a game in hand, they could narrow the gap if either of the St James teams falters.

In Zone ‘A’, the big battle between Sting and Reno of Westmoreland did not take place, as the heavy rains that fell left the field at Anchovy in south St James waterlogged and unplayable. Sting still lead the group with 21 points from eight games, followed by Reno on 19 points from seven games.

Both teams are way ahead of Paradise and Glendevon on 12 points each. However, Glendevon have played less games than Paradise.

The competition continues tomorrow with seven matches down to be played. In Zone ‘A’, Oneness host Paradise, Glendevon are at home to Sting, and Reno entertain Africa Stars; while in Zone ‘B’, Montpelier play away to Hanover, Mt Salem host Disciples, Falmouth visit Infernal, and Violet Tourers play Hornets.

The competition is being played for the Steve Bucknor trophy, in honour of the international cricket umpire and former FIFA referee. The four semifinalists in this competition will qualify for the Kirkvine National Masters Festival, to be held in the first week in August.