Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Waterhouse's Kevin Lamey could be back in the fold for today's final against Harbour View. - File

FORMER CHAMPIONS Waterhouse and Harbour View will renew a rivalry as intense as any in local football when they face each other in the final of the KSAFA Western Union Jackie Bell KO competition at 5:00 p.m. today at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium.

One has come to expect a fiery encounter whenever the two teams who have won the past two premier league titles encounter each other on the pitch. With both sides looking to add to their silverware collection this season, today's encounter should be no different.

'we will be ready'

"We expect a tough game from them as usual. They have been playing well - they beat Arnett, but we will be ready for the challenge," said Harbour View coach Lenworth Hyde.

"We are playing at home so we have to defend the turf. They are a physical team but we are looking to go out there and play some quality football," Hyde said.

The Drewsland team has been in good form in recent times as it recently saw off Tivoli Gardens 1-0 to lift the second end-of-round final before outlasting Arnett by the same scoreline in the semi-finals of the Jackie Bell KO. Defending champions Harbour View eased past Super League team Duhaney Park to book their place in the final.

Nothing would please the Waterhouse faithful more than wresting another title away from 'The Stars of the East', similar to when they overcame a 13-point deficit to pass Harbour View on the line in the 2005-2006 National Premier League season. 'The Stars of the East' returned the favour one year later when they ran past early leaders Waterhouse to lift the premier league title. In fact, since the return of Wayne Fairclough, the man at the helm when the team won the trophy, the Drewsland team has been brimming with confidence.

"Harbour View are an excellent team. They are always well coached, so it should be a very interesting and entertaining affair," Fairclough said.

"However, the team has been playing very well and I think, come Sunday, we should be able to deliver the goods," he said.

the Lamey effect

Waterhouse could see their team bolstered by the return of talisman Kevin Lamey, who has missed a recent game with a niggling injury. Lamey will be a game-time decision. In meetings so far this season, Harbour View have the edge in results, having come from behind to win 3-2 at the compound early in the season and then claiming a 1-1 draw with Waterhouse later in the season at Drewsland. The winner of the Jackie Bell competition will pocket $350,000, with $200,000 going to the runners-up.