Harmony's Roger Clarke.

Western Bureau:

Following the playing of last weekend's final round of preliminary games in the 2009 National Rums of Jamaica Trelawny Major League, the pairings for the much-anticipated two-way semi-finals, which will feature the four top teams, have been decided.

Harmony, who topped the standings with 48 points, will play fourth-place Holland (44 points) in one semi-final. In the other semi-final, second place Duanvale FC with 46 will play third-place Exidus, who also finished on 46 points but with an inferior goal-difference.

Harmony dominated

In last weekend's final round of matches, Harmony made sure they would top the preliminary standings when they scored a big 5-0 win against Upsetters, which finished out of the top four. In a game they dominated, Harmony got their goals through Cedric Johnson, who scored a hat-trick and Roger Clarke and Kevin Wollery, who contributed a goal each.

Duanvale FC, who started their final-round game with a chance of topping the standings ahead of Harmony, suffered a major set-back when they were beaten 2-1 by Exidus, who joined them on points in the overall standings. Exidus took an 18th-minute lead through Sheldon McPherson and made it 2-0 in the 80th-minute through Darnel Chambers. Duanvale got their consolation goal from Tafari Henry in the 82nd minute.

Holland United, who could have taken third place had Exidus not beaten Duanvale, got three points and three goals from their game against out-of-contention Brits United, who failed to show for the game.

Based on the performances of the top four teams in the preliminary round, the semi-finals which will kick-off at the Elliston Wakeland Youth Centre on June 28 with a first leg double-header, should be quite interesting, if not exciting.

Superior record

Whereas Harmony it completed their fixtures with 15 wins, three draws and four defeats, to have a superior record to their opponents Holland FC with 13 wins, five draws and four defeats, match up in offensive and defensive records. Harmony scored 41 goals and conceded 17 whereas Holland hit the back of the net 38 times and gave up 18 goals.

It's even tighter between Duanvale and Exidus. In addition to finishing with the identical 46 points following identical 14 wins, four draws and four defeats, the goalscoring record is also very close. Duanvale scored 43 goals and gave up 21 Exidus scored 37 and gave up 16.

The eventual champions will take home the National Rums of Jamaica Trophy, pocket $150,000 and qualification for next season's Captain's Bakery Western Super League.