Howard Walker, Staff Reporter
THE RED Stripe Champions Cup all-island KO competition kicks off today with five round one first leg games, including a double-header at Jarrett Park involving three St. James teams.
In the St. James derby, Seba United and Mountpelier open the proceedings at 5:30 p.m. before another St. James team, Wadadah, tackle Tafari Lions of St. Elizabeth at 7:30 p.m. at Jarrett Park.
All the other games start at 3:00 p.m. with St. George's out of Portland hosting St. James' Salt Spring at Lynch Park; Kingston and St. Andrew's (KSAFA) Major Leaguers Cavalier taking on Reno of Westmoreland at the Constant Spring Complex and St. Catherine's Rivoli United versus Westmoreland's Negril FC at the Prison Oval.
Last year surprise team Sandy Bay of Hanover created havoc by dumping premier league teams Village and Reno out of the competition.
UNKNOWN TEAMS
This year, several unknown teams will have the chance to make a name for themselves with a giant-killing run.
Cavalier, currently playing in the Major League, that's two division below the premier league, could be the team to start the giant-killing.
The former kingpins of local football have virtually slumped into oblivion but this season they seem to be going places and will feel cranked up for this blast from the past against Reno.
Both fought some epic battles in the heyday of both clubs when they were true giants of the premier league, churning out a vast number of national players.
Cavalier recently created a stir, knocking out defending champions Arnett Gardens in the Jackie Bell competition and are currently in the top two of the Major League.
Reno, on the other hand, are struggling in the premier league and just like last year could fall prey to an unfancied team.
The other encounters should provide interesting result. Seba United, Wadadah and Rivoli are fancied to get the better of Mountpelier, Tafari Lions and Negril FC respectively, while the St Georges/Salt Spring encounter appear up for grabs.
