Holmwood meet Urban champs in finals
RURAL Area champions Holmwood Technical will seek their third and fourth titles this season when they face Urban Area champions The Queen’s and St Hugh’s in the Digicel/ISSA All-Island Junior and Senior showdown, respectively, this afternoon at the Juici Patties Complex in Clarendon Park at 2:00 pm.
A new champion is expected to be crowned in the Juniors as last year’s champions Herbert Morrison were eliminated in the semi-finals, while Holmwood will defend their All-Island National Senior League title.
Action begins with Urban champs The Queen’s versus Rural Area winners Holmwood, while defending Rural and All-Island champions Holmwood meet their Urban counterparts St Hugh’s in the Senior final at 3:00.
The Queen’s will be making their third attempts at the national Junior title after victories in 2006 and defeat in 200, while it’s a first attempt for Holmwood at this level.
Holmwood are hunting a fifth straight National Senior crown, while St Hugh’s are yet to taste victory in this category despite several attempts.
Coach of Holmwood, Carline Graham, said the Juniors are facing a gritty team in The Queen’s.
“They’re a very good team and I have seen them in action already. My players have the ability to match our opponents and they will be going all out to emerge winners and I think if they play their best can pull it off,” she said.
Said Graham of St Hugh’s: “I’ve not seen them play this season, but they would have to work very hard to dethrone us of the Senior title. They need to be at their utmost best as Holmwood are raring to go and are also very confident of retaining the title.”
According to St Hugh’s coach Phillip St Marie, “I’ve seen Holmwood in action this season and they look a very strong team. We’ll not be casing them as they are very strong on their legs. The team that produces the least turnovers and also capitalises on their centre passes should emerge winners.”
The St Hugh’s coach said his team will stick to their game plan and concentrate on producing more accurate passes to contain the defending champions.
“We’re seeking our second All-Island triumph,” said Queen’s coach Marvette Anderson. “Our chances are also very good and it should be a very interesting and exciting showdown with Holmwood.”