Adrian Frater, News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:
COPPERWOOD STRIKER started their campaign in Zone A of the St. James Sandals Division One competition in fine style on Monday afternoon when they blanked Barrett Town 3-0 at the Wyndham Rose Hall field in Montego Bay.
In the game, which was one of three first-round Zone A fixtures in the 12-team competition, Copperwood got their goals from Hughroy Ellis, Deon Beckford and Curtis Morris. They led 2-0 at the half-time break.
In the other two games, Rose mount came out 2-1 winners against New John's at the Albion Youth Centre, while the fancied Glendevon FC, once a major force in St. James' football, was held to an entertaining 0-0 by Defenders FC in their game at the UDC playing field.
Rose mount's victory came courtesy of goals by strikers Owen Roberts, who scored in the first half, and Okieffe Brown, who sealed the issue late in the game.
Paying tribute
It should be interesting to note that while the St. James FA is yet to formalise a sponsorship deal with the Hart Group of Companies for this season, it is still playing the competition under the Sandals banner because of the long association with the company.
"Sandals has been sponsors of this competition for about 15 years so whether or not we get a sponsorship cheque this season, we want to keep the name as a tribute to their support over the years," said St. James FA president, Orville Powell. "Nonetheless, we feel confident that Sandals will eventually formalise the sponsorship."
The 12 competing teams in their respective zones are Zone A - Gully Ambassador, New John's, Maldon, Rose Mount, Copperwood Striker, Defenders and Glendevon. Zone B - Boys Club, Marl Road, Revelations, Seaview, Greens and Firehouse.
Based on the format, at the end of the preliminary phase, the top-two teams in each zone will advance to competition's semi-final round, which will see the zone winners playing off with the runners-up in the opposite zone to decide the two finalists.
The eventual winners of the competition and the beaten finalists will earn automatic qualification to the 2008-09 Hart & Sons Senior League.
