Following exciting preliminary play in the 2009/2010 Virgin Holidays Marchand Football League which included 16 teams, the competition shifted to the quarter-final stage today (Thursday).

The preliminary round ended Monday with Big Ballers registering a 2-1 win over La Cou Do. The victory gave Big Ballers a birth in the quarter-finals.

The following teams in Group A and B moved into the next round of play. Group A: Trou Rouge, Big Ballers, Congorians and Stars United. Group B: Rockhall, Agard, Flames United, FC and Arundel Hill. The quarter-final matchups are as follows: January 14, Trou Rouge vs Arundell Hill; January 16, Rockhall vs Stars United. January 17 is a double header with Agard vs Congorians at 2 pm followed by Big Ballers vs Flames United at 4p.

Commenting on the competition Public Relations Officer for the Marchand League, Tennyson Glasgow said: “It has been a very keenly contested competition because as everyone knows, football is very much paramount in the East Castries area. The footballers and the spectators and everybody who appreciate sports always embrace football in the Marchand area.”

Glasgow went on to say that there has been an improvement in the level of play. He attributes that to the good field conditions at the Marchand Grounds where the grass is cut regularly, with the field rolled and properly marked. He feels that alone encourages players to come out and play football.

There is a lot at stake in this competition. The winning side takes home a cool $3,000, runners-up $2,000 and $1,500 to the third place team. Trophies and prizes will also be awarded in various categories.

When asked what team has the edge, Glasgow replied: “Anything can happen in the quarter-finals, because that’s when teams really step up their game.”

After being pressed by this sportswriter to pick a favourite, Glasgow said: “You have to favour Trou Rouge, they have really come together.”

Glasgow thanked Virgin Holidays for keeping the tournament alive over the years with their generous sponsorship.