Robert Bailey, Gleaner Reporter

Defending champions Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and leaders Raiders United will meet in today's feature game, as the second round of the Jamaica Hockey Federation (JHF) Men's Premier League continues at the Mona Astro Turf.

Raiders and the JDF will clash in the broiling afternoon sun at 2:00 p.m., while Circus Circle and Sharpe's Knights will play in the day's secondary game at 3:30 p.m.

Raiders lead the points standing with seven points, two ahead of the JDF (5), Circus Circle (4) and Sharps Knight still on zero. In their last outing Raiders defeated Circus Circle 5-2 while the JDF stopped Sharpe's Knights 5-3.

Nicholas Beach, who scored a hat-trick in Raiders' last game, is expected to lead his team's charge. He should get key support from Leonardo Camejo and Anthony Prendergast who both scored in the win over Circus Circle.

Meanwhile, midfielders Marlon Rowe, Kevin Faloon and Wesley Walton should be the top men for the JDF in a game which is expected to be exciting. They all scored in the win over Sharpe Knights

CONFIDENCE

Raiders coach Kingsley Morris has expressed confidence ahead of today's clash.

"We have won the league the most times and so I believe that we know what it takes to do it.

"But, at the same time we are cautious because it a crucial match for them (JDF) and if we go into the game too confident we might find ourselves on the losing end," he said.

The JDF's manager, Radcliffe Barrett, said there will be no letting up.

"We are going into game with the intention to win. We are trailing Raiders by two points and this is a very important game for us. Seeing that this is the start of the second round, we are coming to play JDF hockey and as long as the team plays to the coach's instruction and maintain the discipline throughout the entire 70 minutes, I know we can come out victorious," Barrett said.