JPL Best and Worst Week 26

BEST

DUNBEHOLDEN

Dunbeholden were in a similar situation in 2021 when they had play-off qualification in their hands, but failed to win their final game to seize it. Two years later, lightning did not strike twice as the St Catherine-based Dunbeholden completed their late-season surge, dispatching Mount Pleasant 3-1 in their regular season finale to be the last team in the playoffs. They were the benefit of fortune with Waterhouse's sanction, but they closed the deal to get another shot at the title.

ARNETT GARDENS

For the first time since the 2014-2015 season, Arnett Gardens won the regular season title, thanks to a 4-1 victory against West Kingston rivals Tivoli Gardens. It was a massive step in Paul 'Tegat' Davis' second full year as head coach. A first-round bye will be critical to rest the legs and get mentally prepared for a tough play-off campaign.

FAULKLAND AND CHAPELTON MAROONS

At least the final game of their Jamaica Premier League stay was one to remember. Faulkland and Chapelton treated fans to a goal feast in a 4-4 draw that saw Neil Clarke lead the charge for Faukland scoring a quadruple and Alex Gayle netting a hat-trick for Chapelton.

CAVALIER

Another first-round bye was secured for Cavalier, thanks to their 2-1 regular-season finale win over Montego Bay United. It will bring happy memories for them, as the last time they locked up second place was two years ago en route to winning the title for the first time in 40 years. This latest title run will have to be done without Dwayne Anderson, who has been key to their potent offence this season and defender Richard King who have both moved to Iceland.

WORST

WATERHOUSE

That human error (fielding an eligible player), described by Waterhouse head coach Marcel Gayle, ended up costing Waterhouse their place in the playoffs. A three-point deduction was a body blow, and they did not give themselves a chance on the final day of the regular season after a tame 0-0 draw with Humble Lion.

MONTEGO BAY UNITED

What seemed to be a promising start for Montego Bay United has ended with them happy that they get to play Premier League football for another season. At least they improved their points total (26) from last season (12). Their 2-1 season finale defeat to Cavalier has shown how much work the young charges will need to do in the offseason, not to be trapped in the relegation fight next season.

MOUNT PLEASANT

It is never fun to lose momentum heading into the playoffs and Mount Pleasant's 3-1 defeat to Dunbeholden in their regular season finale has given head coach Theodore Whitmore's team a wake-up call heading into the playoffs. It won't be the last time Mount Pleasant will see Dunbeholden as they have been drawn together for their quarterfinal series.