Mj vs Vj: Looks like the 4-2 scoreline last year didnt do any justice for some of the boys who were there and it seems likely that a revenge is on their sleeve. I think it’ll be a tight game between the two giants and the game will eventually end with Mj being the winner.

As for the other semi-final match, Ac vs SA: This game will also be a tightly contested affair between the two teams and i fancy the game to go on with a 0-0 scoreline until the 70th minute where Ac’s dominant striking force will cause some problems, and eventually win the game 1-0 to set foot at the national stadium.

So.. the verdict remains to be seen..

VJC the defending champs
Hits: their physical stamina. although not noted for scoring a lot,it is very hard to catch their fast paced counter attacks. also interesting is their mental resilience. when things aren’t looking too rosy,as shown in last year’s final when they’re trailing 2-1 with 5 mins left,they stormed back with a majestic performance to win 4-2. Set piece skills and brilliant crowd support is a key to success
Misses: defence a little too smug. in the group stage, the defence were caught AWOL twice,once against MI and once against SA-and both teams scored without much resistance

MJC: the wannabes
Hits: motivation. I haven’t seen them play yet,but I believe they are leaving the best for the semis.looks set to partially erase the bad memories of last year’s final
Misses: I don’t know if the RJC match is a hint of what’s going to happen from the semi finals,when they conceded a late goal. against stronger,more predatory teams,I fear they might crumble at the late pressure,like last year’s final when they were hit for 3

SAJC: the strikeforce
Hits: very good attack.they have been scoring plenty for all their group matches except VJ,where they drew 1-1. entertaining to watch
Misses: up till group stage they are still doing fine. I shall refrain from saying anything about my sister’s school,but their set pieces leave a lot to be desired

(last semifinalist): the dark horses
Hits: be it a lethal attack or a leak-proof defence,they also have lots of luck,and I believe,lots of gym trainings to keep in good shape
Misses: lacks the big match experience. playing SA or VJ will be a stern test of their credentials

Conclusion: If VJ and MJ plays against each other in the semis,the victor between the match will win the A Division. Even if these two meet only in the final (unless SA wins MJ during their semi final matchup), VJ’s balance in all departments will see them defend their title. That doesn’t mean the finalist will capitulate easily. All in all, an entertaining final on May 18 beckons

but a rampant SA awaits

I did some post-game checks with the respective captains, and I’ve inserted some comments into the report. They have two more games to go each in the 1st round, but currently MJ sits at the top with RJ at second placing.

I thought both teams played well and I didn’t think MJ played badly, except RJ gave really some surprising tough resistance today. RJ didn’t really get as much offensive time as MJ did, but whenever they did, they posed a threat.

Just for trivia the last time RJ and MJ met, the MJ attack owned the Gryphons 5-1 until thunderstorm 3 mins from time cancelled the whole game. the re-match was a 1-1 draw. I don’t know why MJ’s play is so dour and boring against RJ this time,not quite like true title contenders