Matchday Eleven Review

At the halfway point of the Caribbean Mega League we were treated to a stunning eleventh matchday which saw teams in the top, middle and bottom regions of the table gather big wins to keep the league massively open to a number of clubs fighting for that first ever CML trophy. With both of the top two struggling to shake off their bad form the gap is naturally closing between them and the likes of third all the way down to ninth. Only two sides can say that they’ve not lost in their last three, meaning that there is everything to play for in terms of avoiding the bottom two but also in getting into the trophy winning slot.

Jamrock Juniors started the day joint level with leaders Republican Rabbits and provided they could beat second bottom and winless in four Spicy Doves they would put themselves in the best possible place to overtake their Dominican Republic rivals. Things didn’t start well for either side though and within the opening three minutes Big Nutz had taken the lead in Grenada as Brian Andrew scored from a penalty to end a seven match baron spell. Meanwhile in Haiti, Vodou People had taken just two minutes to go ahead of the Rabbits as Emerson Georges scored what would turn out to be the only goal of an entertaining derby match. Back over at Cécile Stadium teenage sensation Ronaldo Joseph scored his third goal of the season as the seventeen year old continued to showcase his raw talent in an otherwise struggling team. Truth be told it could have been more at half-time as Joseph continued to dominate, but Jamtastic also forged their own chances too and it seemed apparent that the next goal would inspire the final result. Ajeanie Talbott was the man to get that goal from a Joel Senior set piece meaning that Sophie Dibbens and her Spicy Doves would have to hold off a possible comeback in the final twenty minutes. Or, they could put the game out of the hands of their opposition by grabbing a third goal and that is exactly what they did. A moment of lackadaisical defending from Jamrock allowed Joseph to sneak in and make it 3-1, meaning that Republican Rabbits’ defeat was of no advantage to the Jamaican side.

Over in Trinidad we would also see some early goals as Limbo Leopards steamrolled a recently resurgent Redonda Rockys team as Jamal Creighton scored two in the first six minutes. Andrus Remy had brought the visiting Antigens back into contention during the second-half, but Josimar Belgrave added to his terrific form by making it a 3-1 victory for the mid table side.

In the other games Bermuda Tempest and Suriname Sharks both had to settle for a point at home as they failed to overcome Bajan Boppers and Moko-Jumbies FC respectively, with both games ending 1-1. Whilst in perhaps one of the more predictable matches, Ajax Oranjestad continued to keep up the pressure on the top teams by beating stranded Dominica Dominoes 2-0 at ArenArubA. Doms have now lost eight in a row, scoring only one goal in the process.

The second part of the campaign kicks off with a huge game between Vodou People and Jamrock Juniors, whilst table-toppers travel to Redonda Rockys hoping to repeat their win from the opening day of the season. Things don’t get any easier for Dominica Dominoes as they travel to play Spicy Doves and the same can be said for second bottom side Bermuda Tempest who have to fly over to Trinidad. Over in the Caribbean Netherlands region Suriname Sharks play Bajan Boppers and Ajax Oranjestad will welcome Moko-Jumbies FC. The visitors could go top if results elsewhere go their way in what is bound to be another enthralling afternoon in the Caribbean Mega League.