Frazsiers too hot for Cavalier in JWPL

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January 11, 2023

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Coach Xavier Gilbert

Last Saturday's Jamaica Women's Premier League (JWPL) cross-zone top-of-the-table clash between Zone A leaders Frazsiers Whip and Zone B table-toppers Cavalier at Royal Lakes Complex was anticipated as the game of the season with both teams perfect from four starts. However, it turned out to be a one-sided affair as Frazsiers blew away their opponent 5-0.

Despite their overwhelming victory, Frazsiers coach Xavier Gilbert insists they are not clear favourites for the title.

"It is still early days and we have work to do. As the competition progresses teams are going to get better.

"We are a little better conditioned than most teams, so we have been able to outrun them. But as the league progresses it is going to get a little more competitive down the stretch," he contends.

The league's leading scorer Shaneil Buckley netted twice to take her tally to 13, as did Christina Salmon, who now has nine goals. Notoya Atkinson scored the other.

"It was a very good performance and I have to credit them," Gilbert said. "We took the lead early but we still didn't settle as best as we could. But in the second half we really put on a show and scored some goals. They gave it their all. But scoring early put them on the back foot and once we scored again they got a little indisciplined and took some more risks and we were able to capitalise."

Cavalier manager Omar Stanley, who stood in for coach Everdean Scarlett on the day, agreed with much of Gilbert's assessment.

"We played a competitive first half. At half time it was 1-0. We made some tactical adjustment but I thought we were a bit indisciplined tactically.

"The holiday break also impacted our second half, our fitness wasn't up to par and Frazsiers saw the opportunity and went for the kill," he said.

Frazsiers, with 15 points, are six points clear of Olympic (nine) who defeated Vere 4-1 in Zone A. Baptiste Alliance stay third with six points after a 3-0 win over Real MoBay. Fourth-place Springers who drew 3-3 with Royal Lakes have four points while Rangers are still without a point after a 5-1 loss to Mile Gully.

Cavalier lead Zone B with 12 points, followed by Vere and Mile Gully on nine, Royal Lakes are fourth with four points and Real MoBay in last place with zero.