The overall standard in the new Premier League is the best ever and that was reflected in results on the opening weekend.
Roma United beating George Town 2-0 was not a total surprise considering Roma only lost once last season – and that was in the FA Cup final to Bodden Town.
Roma cruised to the First Division title to bounce back from the second tier after two seasons there.
After relegation, the nucleus of the side which – mostly Jamaicans – remained and with new additions, Roma intend to not just survive in the top flight, they expect to flourish.
It is only one game but being top of the table – albeit on goal difference with Cayman Athletic and Elite – is where they want to stay.
The victory over George Town, who were league leaders for much of last season before being overhauled by a rampant Bodden Town, augurs well for Roma whose poor discipline and sloppy attitude to training always let them down before.
More mature and focused, Roma made the most of the little pre-season training they had to grind out the victory through goals from Gavin Reynolds and Gawayne Speed.
Reynolds was Roma’s top scorer last term, but that was at First Division level. He is confident of continuing that trend against better defenses – and proved it against the usually mean George Town back line.
Roma team manager George Thomas credits coaches Lenox “Lalas” White and David “Starkey” Harding for the overall transformation and victory.
“They made some good tactical decisions in the game, especially when they brought on Kirk Rowe as a substitute,” Thomas said.
“George Town are one of our biggest rivals but we’re also good friends with many of the team. We had to grind it out but we succeeded.”
Roma showed little dissent towards officials, unlike in the past when their notoriety went before them, sticking to their task admirably, preferring a more attractive, measured passing game rather than just hoofing the ball up field like before.
Their only disappointment was losing Narval Buchanan to injury. He was hospitalized after a clash of heads but after treatment was given the all clear and discharged that night.
Roma face Cayman Brac, who were also promoted from the First Divison, at the Bodden Town field on Sept. 27 and expect another tight game.
They played three times last term with two games drawn and Roma winning the other narrowly.
“Brac are like us, very resilient with the same fighting spirit,” Thomas said. “They never give up and are always capable of scoring in the last minute. We expect another good, close game.”
Bobby Sairsingh is Roma United’s president. He said, “The entire Roma team of executives, management, staff and players, is very pleased to have made a good start in our campaign.
“We always respect George Town and welcome matches against them, as their flowing yet bustling style tends to bring out the best of our competitive spirit and resolve.
“Kudos to the entire team of players, managers and supporters who participated in Sunday’s victory.”
Sairsingh added that, as league leaders, they look forward to maintaining their focus, composure and determination “as we prepare to face the other Premier League clubs with differing styles of play.”
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