Western Bureau:

With the preliminary round of the 2009-10 Trelawny Football Association's (TFA) National Rums of Jamaica Major Football League drawing to a close, the battle for the final two semi-final places should take centre stage in the final two rounds of matches in the 12-team competition.

Based on the current points standing, leaders Harmony FC and second-place Exidus, who are on 42 and 39 points, respectively, are already assured of their semi-final places, as they can only be overtaken by two teams, which means they must finish in the top four.

The teams still in the hunt for the other two places are third-place Duanvale FC and fourth-place Holland FC, which are both on 37 points, and fifth and sixth-placed teams Kinloss and Brits United, both on 31 points. Interestingly, both Duanvale and Holland FC have one outstanding game each.

Interesting season

At the semi-final stage, the top team on points from the preliminary round will play the third-place finisher, while second will play fourth. The two winners will contest the competition's final for the National Rums of Jamaica Trophy and a place in next year's Captain's Bakery Western Super League.

"It has been quite an interesting season so far and we are basically pleased with the quality of the football," said Marline Brown, the competition's coordinator and vice-president of the Trelawny FA. "We too are looking towards the semi-finals, which should be exciting as well."

Prize breakdown

Based on the breakdown of prize monies for the top teams, the eventual champion will pocket $150,000, second-place $75,000, third-place $50,000 and fourth $30,000. In addition, there will be cash awards to the Top Goalscorer, Most Valuable Player and Top Coach.

In terms of on-the-field performances, a total of 315 goals have been scored in the two rounds of preliminary games. The most prolific team is Duanvale FC with 34 goals, followed by Harmony and Exidus with 33 each. The team with the worst defensive record is Preston FC, which has given up 48 goals.