League chief: Expect more drama as Corona campaign kicks off

The Corona League is aiming to build on last season’s gripping finale when the new campaign kicks off at BAA tonight.

Reigning league champions Robin Hood take on Cup winners Tuff Dogs in the Coronita Charity Shield, kick-off 7pm, ahead of next weekend’s opening fixtures.

League president Mike McGrath has revealed a number of improvements to the increasingly-popular 10-team set-up, with a Facebook page ready to launch, a new website in the pipeline and a Twitter account  poised for action.

There will also be a Sportsman of the Week award, which will see the referee nominate someone — for example a player, coach, supporter — from each game before a Facebook vote decides the winner, who will receive the prize of a crate of Corona.

Robin Hood clinched the league last season after a dramatic final-day win over rivals Flanagans Onions and tonight’s game is a chance for them — and Tuff Dogs — to put down an early marker. 

McGrath told the Bermuda Sun: “Tonight should be a big one to see how the top teams from last year have fared over the summer —  and how many Coronas they have put away!

“But it should be good to see the top teams playing again. Even though we aren’t the Under-16s anymore, there is still a lot of pace and the football moves fast. It should whet everyone’s appetite for the season ahead.”

Full line-up

Valley were in danger of pulling out before the season started but that has now been resolved, with Hood, Tuff Dogs, BAA, West End United, Vasco, Lock & Key, Lobster Pot, Flanagans Onions and NVCC making up the full roster of clubs.

McGrath said: “Every team seems to raise their game every season. Last year we went right to the final game and got down to goal difference to separate the teams, so hopefully this year will be the same.

“Speaking to the teams, they are all really pushing to get closer to the top each year so I think we’re in for another competitive season and that’s what brings out the enjoyment in the games.

“Everyone was out there for last season’s decider. We had hundreds of people coming out to watch the final game of the season.

“We’re separated from the BFA obviously but we’ve been invited to join the FA Cup competition so there’s no animosity there — we have just gone about things in a different way. I think we can both learn from each other.”

The standard, says McGrath, improves every year and he believes some outfits could give First Division and Premier Division clubs a run for their money.

“Some of our teams could run with some First Division sides and in spells some of our highest teams could compete with some of the Premier Divison sides, although I think the fitness over 90 minutes would tell. Some of our players are a little more senior so that would be a challenge.”