Renade McDonald of Exidus (centre) shields the ball from Duanvale's Orlando Grey (right), during their National Rums of Jamaica Trelawny Major League game on Saturday at Duanvale. Looking on is McDonaldís teammate, Omar Barrett. The game ended 0-0. - Photo by Richard Morais

WESTERN BUREAU

Harmony and Duanvale will contest the National Rums of Jamaica Trelawny Major League mid-season final on March 29 at the Elliston-Wakeland Centre.

Harmony were idle in the last round at the weekend but were awarded three points, which lifted them to 24 points, which automatically guaranteed them top position.

Nil-all draw

The points were given after Preston withdrew from the competition.

Duanvale, however, had to sing for their supper and eked out a nil-all draw with Exidus at Duanvale, which lifted them to 21 points.

Knowing that only a win could take them to the mid-season final, Exidus came out more purposeful and they dominated the game in the first half.

They came close to scoring in the 20th minute when 'keeper Devaughn Hawthorne came for a ball and missed, leaving the goal unprotected. Oshane Hunter saw the opening and pounced on the ball but two defenders scrambled back and one booted out Hunter's shot before the ball crossed the goalline.

Duanvale, the fitter team, came into their own in the second half and out-manoeuvred their opponents. At one point, it appeared that Duanvale had more players than Exidus, as many of the Exidus passes were easily intercepted.

Duanvale's coach, Rawl Gentles, admitted that he was playing for a draw.

The plan

"We came out not to lose and used that plan," he said.

He, however, said in the mid-season final it would be a different Duanvale than the one Harmony had beaten 4-1 nine days earlier.

"We expect a win but will not be taking them lightly, despite beating them some days ago," a cautious Gregory Palmer, Harmony's coach, responded.

He said his team was suffering injury problems but the lay-off, until the final, should bring some healing.