Matchday Eight came and went in the Caribbean Mega League as another six fixtures were played out in the gorgeous sun and although there weren’t any major shocks this weekend there were still plenty of happy fans walking out of the packed stadiums around the islands as crowds continue to stay above forty-thousand per game, proving that this new league is far from being a
fad. Republican Rabbits and Jamrock Juniors started the weekend top of the table and both faced home fixtures in which they were clear favourites for.
But with few surprises to report, the big winners of the day were Jamrock Juniors as they shut out Bermuda Tempest in a convincing 3-0 victory at Levi Roots Arena. Jamtastic had suffered a shock 0-1 defeat at the hands of Bajan Boppers last time out so it was important they reacted in the right way against a team flirting with the relegation zone. Knapton had Upston Edwards back from suspension and with the dream team centre-back partnership of he and Ajeanie Talbott reunited, the only shock was that both of them would get on the scoresheet for the first time. It was “Genie” who headed home the first in the twenty-first minute to set the tone for the hosts and after another wonder goal from Newton Sterling, to get his fifth of the campaign, the third and final nail in the Trianglists coffin came from Edwards to ensure the Jamaicans did all they could to hope to leapfrog the Rabbits.
It wasn’t to be on this occasion though as Republican Rabbits fought off a decent Suriname Sharks side in a game that ended 3-1 and saw Juan Vélez bag his ninth and tenth goals after just eight matches played. Despite a goalless first forty-five the Rabbits came out in the second-half ready for the kill and the sometimes reckless Nethermen gave away a penalty just five minutes in. Wilson Murillo stepped up to get his second goal for the Rabbits but then after that he handed over the headlines to be claimed by Vélez. It was one of those blink twice and you’ll miss it moments as the dominant forward scored two goals in two minutes to give the Palo Park fans another exciting display as they moved three goals clear and back to the top of the table. An almost perfect display was somewhat soured towards the end as the feisty Sharks did grab a stoppage time consolation goal through Albert Nibte. Moments later Guillermo Welles was dismissed for his second booking for the visitors meaning that Richard Gray will need a new right-back to come in for the next game.
The home wins were rounded off by the steadily improving Redonda Rockys after they snatched a 1-0 win against Ajax Oranjestad. The only away win of the day came from Bajan Boppers as they built upon an impressive home win last week with a 1-0 away victory at Dominca Dominoes. Doms have now lost five in succession and fall to the bottom of the pile. In Trinidad and Haiti respectively there were a couple of 1-1 draws as Limbo Leopards squandered a lead against title chasing Moko-Jumbies FC, meanwhile at Papa Doc Parc Spicy Doves put an end to their three game losing streak by picking up a point against Vodou People.
Next weekend the top two sides travel over to the Dutch Caribbean region as Republican Rabbits go to Aruba to try and beat Ajax Oranjestad, whilst Jamrock Juniors fly over the border into South America to face Suriname Sharks. The bottom two clubs will do battle at the opposite end of the continent with Bermuda Tempest hosting Dominica Dominoes, whilst in the heart of the Caribbean we will see Vodou People and Limbo Leopards do battle in Haiti, Spicy Doves will welcome Redonda Rockys and the resurgent Bajan Boppers will take on a tough Moko-Jumbies FC outfit.
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