Big semi-final clashes on tomorrow

Western Bureau:

The first finalists for both the Premier League and the Division One in the 2011 J. Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum-sponsored Western Jamaica Domino League will be decided tomorrow afternoon following first-round semi-final action in both competitions at Father Bull Restaurant and Bar in Long Bay, Trelawny.

The exciting Fighter Jet, of Carey Park, in Trelawny will square-off against Tuff Gong of Montego Bay in the Premier League game while in the Division One fixture, the gutsy Uptown will lock horns with Tornado in a Montego Bay derby. Both games are slated for 1:30 p.m.

"We are expecting two very good games as all four teams that will be on show will be a full strength," said Western Domino League president Walford Morgrade, noting that some clubs have recruited players from as far away as Kingston and Portmore in St Catherine.

"The fans were quite energised for the quarter-final and I am expecting much the same for the semi-final and final," continued Morgrade. "It should be all excitement in both games."

In last weekend's final round quarter-final games in Division One, Intouch secured their place in the semi-final at the expense of Hanover's Mandela Green, which threw in the towel after buckling to a whopping 300-186 loss. In the other game, Tornado brushed aside the challenge of Unity Strikers 300-288.

Battle for two places

"Based on the teams that have advanced to the semi-finals in both competitions, it should be a real battle for the two places in the final," said Morgrade. "I am expecting the teams to dig really deep as they are all very high on confidence."

In tomorrow's Premier League game, a battle royal is expected between Fighter Jet and Tuff Gong who are both blessed with an abundance of talent. Fighter Jet's charge will be led by Marlon Hamilton and Tyson Lynch while Tuff Gong are expected to hold their ground with the likes of Cleveland Rose and David Smith.

The other two semi-finals in both competitions will be played next Sunday at Dynasty Club on Barnett Street, in Montego Bay.

In the Premier League match-up, reigning champions Assassin of Falmouth in Trelawny; will take on the brash Tropical Riddims of Hopewell, Hanover, while in the Division One, Star International of Kinloss, in Trelawny will take on the impressive Intouch of Petersfield, Westmoreland.

It should be noted that Assassin, which went through last year's competition unbeaten, are again hunting the season double this year as they have already won the competition's mid-season title.

The eventual winners of Premier League will take home the coveted J. Wray & Nephew Trophy and a cheque for $100,000. The beaten finalists will pocket $70,000 while the third and fourth place finishers will take home $50,000 and $30,000, respectively. The Division One winners will pocket $55,000.