A title race that appeared to be going down to the wire involving three or four teams just weeks ago could be all but wrapped up by PHC Zebras with a game to spare.
Three weeks ago, five teams were braced for a thrilling finish to the Premier Division, but losses and draws by Dandy Town, North Village and Devonshire Cougars has left season-long leaders PHC and Robin Hood, the defending champions, battling for the title with three games remaining.
Cougars, Town and Village now trail the leaders by five and six points, while PHC’s three-point lead over Hood may not be enough to keep the race alive until the final round of games on April Fool’s Day.
Mathematically, PHC, who are 19 goals better than Robin Hood, need just two more wins to secure a tenth league title that would move them level with Somerset Trojans for the most league titles. The Zebras should at least maintain that lead this weekend when meet Boulevard at St David’s.
Hood, who won a maiden title last season on goal difference over PHC, face a tougher trip to Bernard Park for their match against Village. PHC play Devonshire Cougars next weekend before closing out their season against relegated Young Men’s Social Club.
Two wins and a draw from those three matches will be enough for PHC, putting them on 40 points, one ahead of the 39 Hood will finish on if they win their final games. Last season the two teams finished on 41 points, with Village third on 39.
Cougars will meet Somerset Trojans at Devonshire Recreation Club today where a win for Trojans, eighth in the table, would virtually ensure their safety.
Another victory would put Trojans on 18 points, which is the most Flanagan’s Onions will get if they win their three remaining matches.
Boulevard, virtually safe after their draw with Town last weekend, can have a say in the title race as they also have to play Hood in their final match.
X-Roads, hoping to hold on to sixth place to qualify for Dudley Eve Trophy next season, face Onions at Garrison Field in a match that could decide Onions’ fate. Town, whose bid for the league, faded after two draws and a loss in their last three matches, will hope to get back to winning ways against Social Club at Police Field.
In the First Division, leaders BAA meet St David’s at Lord’s looking to move a step closer to promotion. They have a three-point lead over Paget Lions and five over Southampton Rangers. St David’s were thrashed 9-1 by neighbours St George’s last weekend and appear to have switched to “cricket mode” now that there is nothing left for them to play for this season.
Paget, who should have striker Dion Stovell available after the Bermuda cricket team’s trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, take on Devonshire Colts at Police Field, while Rangers host St George’s at Southampton Oval.
Rangers are still unbeaten this season but St George’s, the third highest scorers in the division, could make it difficult for Rangers if they are in the mood for an upset.
Paget and Rangers will meet for the second time in ten days on Tuesday night when they battle in the FA Cup semi-final at Somerset at 7.00 when a First Division side is certain to reach the final. Holders PHC take on Hood in the second semi-final.
