Friendship & Shield Matches Set For Boxing Day
[Written by Patrick Bean]
Christmas has arrived in its majesty and expense, presents are being opened and the feasting in earnest, yet the players in tomorrow’s Boxing Day spectacle at the crashing coastline of Lord’s in St. David’s to settle the semifinals of the Friendship Trophy and Shield competition might want to consider moderation this day.
Coaches of PHC and Robin Hood would have stressed the importance of paying attention to food portions, not overloading on starches and holding proteins to conservative portions and as for dessert delights…push away from the table.
For they themselves headline the afters course of top level soccer, when the pair clash in the east for the right to go west and challenge Dandy Town for the Friendship crown on New Year’s Day at Somerset Cricket Club
Hamilton Parish Hot Peppers likewise might want to skip the high Scovilles version before facing the heat of Devonshire Colts as the pair strive forward in the opening Shield contest to decide who faces consolidated finalists Southampton Rangers.
PHC are eleven time winners of the competition that has long been considered a major trophy among the triple crown that also includes of the league title and FA Cup. They are also the defending champions and current league leaders, while boasting equal parts defence and attack as the most complete team on the Island.
Robin Hood may not match the Zebras in defending but are their equals and perhaps more when it comes to attacking options, making for an intriguing scenario.
Meanwhile, Parish enter their match as firm favourites to dissuade Colts from moving further and are handily ahead of them in division standings.
But form matters little in these knock-out formatted tournaments as the one-off situation offers courage even to the weak. Matches start at 12 noon [Shield] and 2.30 p.m. [Friendship Trophy].
