3 in with a chance on final CPL weekend

Three clubs enter the final weekend of the 2018/19 Cayman Premier League campaign with realistic expectations of winning the title, in what is anticipated to be a nail-biting climax of the competition including a match-up of two of the contending teams.

Defending champions Scholars International (9-2-1) hold the edge over Bodden Town FC (9-2-1), as both are tied atop the table on 29 points, with Scholars having superior goal difference 48 to 36. Academy Sports Club is one point back on 28 points and is undefeated through a dozen games with a record of 8-4-0.

A salivating clash between Scholars and Academy at the Annex on Sunday (7:00pm) highlights the weekend. Academy is buoyed by their recent President’s Cup title that they won on Ash Wednesday with a 2-1 win over Roma United after beating Scholars in the semi-finals. Scholars will be seeking retribution that will allow them to retain their league title.

Not to be overlooked, however, is Bodden Town’s game at the same time against seventh-placed Latinos FC at Ed Bush Sports Complex. The former title holders can reclaim their crown with a win but will need either an Academy win or a draw. If both Scholars and Bodden Town win their games, the edge goes to the West Bay club.

The Cayman Premier League champions will secure the right to compete in the CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield next year. Scholars, who are preparing for this year’s tournament, will want to have secured their spot for 2020 before they head to Curacao for the 5-15 April competition featuring 13 top amateur clubs from across the Caribbean. Academy and Bodden Town will want to tell them to keep their spot warm until it’s their time.

Another race worth watching is the battle for the eighth and final spot in the CIFA Challenge Cup, which follows the conclusion of the CPL. Sunset currently hold that position and are favoured to beat North Side SC, although they’ve had some explosive clashes in recent years. George Town SC are three point back and can steal that spot if they beat last-placed Alliance FC, which they should. However, all Sunset need is a draw to remain in the top frame.

This weekend’s games:

 

Saturday 16 March

6:00pm – Tigers FC vs Cayman Athletic (Annex)

8:00pm – Elite SC vs Roma United (Annex)

8:00pm – Future SC vs East End United (Ed Bush)

 

Sunday 17 March

5:00pm – North Side vs Sunset FC (Bodden Town)

5:00pm – Alliance FC vs George Town SC (Ed Bush)

7:00pm – Academy SC vs Scholars International (Annex)

7:00pm – Latinos FC vs Bodden Town FC (Ed Bush)

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