KEY West Rangers of the League and the BAA of the Combination were drawn together in the second semi-final of the 1955-56 BFA Challenge Cup competition. Both teams were in leading positions in their respective First Divisions and had been considered "firm favourites from the start of the tournament. Unfortunately they (had to) clash in the semi-final ? instead of in the final as was hoped" (Bermuda Sports, April 1956). Their fixture was scheduled for 4th March at Prospect, one week after Southampton Rangers had become finalists by defeating Sandys Boat Club 4-3 in an exciting and entertaining game.

BAA and Key West were in different leagues and had never before met in a seriously competitive match, although they had played each other in night-time friendlies on a number of occasions. These latter games always took place under floodlights at the BAA field, giving the home side a considerable advantage as their players were not only familiar with the ground and general conditions at Serpentine Road but also with performing under 'the lights'. Stabilizer of The Bermuda Recorder (7 January 1956) reflected on these circumstances when suggesting that "it would look better if BAA played some friendly matches against coloured teams away from home. It is only a question of time before other clubs realise they are getting the worst of the deal". While this 'deal' may well have included financial considerations with regard to sharing gate receipts, these games also provided the opportunity for BAA to re-inforce their experience as well as to develop a winning mentality 'against coloured teams'. In fact, the home side very rarely lost or drew any of these floodlight friendlies ? one important exception being the result of a recent encounter with their semi-final opponents.

Early in the season BAA had beaten Key West 3-1, but in the 'return' fixture in late December 1955, lost to the Rangers 2-1, reportedly 'on a bitterly cold night in a game that was closely fought with plenty of body contact and good combination football on occasion'. Calvin 'Bummy' Symonds scored twice for the Rangers in another match-winning performance.

Not long returned from his professional involvement in British football with Rochdale, Symonds had previously recorded two hat-tricks in BFA Cup competition ? against the Pembroke Panthers in the Second Round and then Happy Valley in the quarters ? and had scored four times against Yale University in a year-end tour match. With Symonds in this type of form, supported by the talents of Earl 'Townsey' Russell in the attack and a no-nonsense defence shepherded by 'Froggie' Simmons, Cal White and captain El Smith, the Rangers and their supporters had no reason to doubt the team's ability to win, not just their next game, but eventually the newly introduced Challenge Cup.

The BAA, however, were completing a remarkably successful year and had been described in the Bermuda Sports magazine (April 1956) as "the dominant team in white competition". Their reputation was one of playing positive and attractive football, and of being especially strong during the last 15 minutes of any game. Additionally, and in this particular tournament, they had eliminated a highly-regarded contender in Wellington Rovers of the BFL. Given a similar number of BFA Cup appearances, BAA had notched seven goals with just two against, while Key West had scored ten and conceded four. Comparing successful results against the same opposition ? Yale University ? Key West had defeated them 5-3 and BAA had won 4-0.

In its pre-game edition on 3 March 56, The Bermuda Recorder offered no prediction as to a winner but anticipated a "thrilling match .. BAA and Key West are two of the best teams in Bermuda .. both will be at full strength and prepared for a stiff game from start to finish .. a near record crowd is expected".

Team selections were confirmed as follows ? Key West Rangers: Raynor; R Simmons, Dears; Trott, Smith, White; Burns, Russell, Symonds, Wainwright, L Simmons.

BAA: Siddle; Sousa, Lewis; Lopes, Mayne, Constable; Hankey, Triantopoulos, Thorne, Lancaster, DeSilva.

Look for the result and details of this match in next week's BFA Diary.