Glory within sight

INVESTEC COLOMBIANS will retain the league title this afternoon. The Investec Men's Division One champions face Colombians Youth at 3pm. It will be a formality. Not because the Youth will just roll over and let the A-team stroll to victory - they have enjoyed trying to upset every senior side this season - but because the favourites are desperate to grab more silverware and past meetings have been one-sided goal-fests, 6-1 and 13-0.

With the trophy at stake, Colombians will romp to victory. They have quality throughout the side. Island keeper Kees Jager makes his return after struggling with a troublesome groin, the back four are solid, Tristan Cairns heads a flowing midfield and TJ Ozanne can score from anywhere.

Meanwhile, the Investec Ladies' Knockout Cup and Plate competitions have reached the semi-finals stage.

At 2pm today, Vixens face Approved Personnel Panthers; tomorrow Ladies' College/Grammar School clash with Clubhouse Cubs, again at 2pm.

The first semi is too close to call. Panthers struggled against Cubs in their last league meeting, but on their day, with Kath Hyman prompting in midfield, they can score at will. Vixens have a group of promising juniors rapidly rising through the ranks to join established players such as Hilary Stokes and the goal-hungry Jayne Carter. It will be a close match.

In the other semi, Cubs must start as favourites. They dismissed Panthers last week with a storming display from Debbie Allen and Jo Hollyer-Hill.

With island players scattered throughout their line-up, they will take some stopping. The combined Ladies' College/Grammar School team will be hampered by losing several players to the Channel Islands' age-group squad.

In the plate competition, Puffins face the island under-14 boys, the plate holders, today at 11am. OSA Amazons take on Sirens, the former Puffinettes who have merged with the island women's cricket squad, at 11am tomorrow.

*Guernsey will face Wednesbury HC in the third round of the HA Trophy next weekend.

Wednesbury are fifth in the West Midlands Premier Division. They beat Kings Heath 3-2 in round one and had a bye in round two.

The match at Foote's Lane starts at 1pm.