Harbour View's Jermaine Hue (left) is hounded by Tivoli Gardens midfielder Kevin Blackford (right), during their Digicel Premier League game at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex on Sunday. Harbour View won the game 1-0. - Ian Allen/Freelance Photographer

When Digicel Premier League (DPL) rivals Harbour View and Tivoli Gardens met in their top-of-the-table clash at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex last Sunday, at least one family was forced to split their allegiance, as brothers Jermaine Hue and Kevin Blackford faced each other in contrasting colours - with bragging rights at the family table at stake.

There was also the small matter of the DPL top-spot honours and, as family members Diana and Michael Hue watched from the stands, it was hard to tell which of the brothers they were supporting.

Midfield maestro Hue, who has developed over the years into a symbol at Harbour View, has carved out for himself a reputation of being one of the most accurate passers of the ball in the league, and a player of exquisite style and panache.

Twenty-five-year-old Black-ford, the younger of the two, seems to be the complete opposite. Contrary to Hue's trademark style, Blackford has established himself as a player with a little more steel. His composed, hard-running game has brought some welcomed presence to the Tivoli Gardens midfield and has served as a launch-pad for his fledgling career.

Workman-like performance

The younger brother hounded his more popular sibling all evening and snapped at everything in his sight. A few good passes here and there, good movement and vision summed up a workman-like performance from the Tivoli Gardens hardman.

Hue, in the meantime, was relaxed and refused to be bullied as he sprayed passes all over the turf. He even worked himself into a wonderful opportunity to bury his brother's team in the dying moments, but his left foot drive ended up on the wrong side of the left upright.

Having witnessed his development from their 'early years' scrimmage kick-a-bouts in their St Thomas community of Port Morant, Hue, who has represented Jamaica at the senior level and has enjoyed several professional stints with clubs overseas, is extremely happy with his sibling's growth as a top-flight footballer and is expecting greater things from him in years to come. He, however, wouldn't mind seeing him playing in the blue and yellow of Harbour View in the near future.

"He is doing very well, he is a very good player but I think he is being held back a little at Tivoli Gardens. Hopefully we can bring him to Harbour View soon," smiled Hue.

Special rivalry

"We played a lot growing up but we never actually played so much together in a competitive setting, so it's very good. It's very competitive in the household and I'm enjoying it."

Blackford also welcomes the rivalry and expressed his admiration of his brother and his ambition to emulate his achievements.

"It's always a pleasure to play against him (Hue). He has been a mentor to me over the years and I have grown under his mentorship," Blackford said. "It's always going to be a special rivalry because I'm always trying to see if I can match up to his calibre and he is a great player with a lot of professionalism.

"He is a big influence to me and he will always be. Even just by watching him, I learn something. He really doesn't have to say anything to me to influence me because I watch him a lot and try to take what I can from his game," the former St Thomas Technical player shared.

Hue, who also made his name at the same school, was proud to have made an impact on his brother.

The big brother talks

"As the bigger brother, I talk to him about the professionalism in the game and always encourage him to believe in himself, be confident and always do his best. He's a very good player with his whole future ahead of him. I hope he can build on this and continue to grow," said Hue.

Blackford, in the meantime, is hoping that he will, in the near future, follow in the footsteps of his brother and sister, Diana, who have both represented Jamaica at the senior level.

"My ambition is to represent the national team and try to get a contract overseas and I am putting in the work to make that dream happen," Blackford sought to assure.

Not many will be willing to bet against this becoming a reality if he continues to develop. But for now, the Hue household will have to do with another season of shared allegiance as these two brothers continue to defend their respective team colours and tussle for bragging rights.