Sunburst Camptown are knockout ‘Kings’ of the city

Apr 21, 2009 Sports

Snipe Army 1-0, Alpha beat Conquerors 3-1 on penalties for 3rd

WE ARE THE CHAMPS!!! A jubilant Sunburst Camptown team along with family and supporters pose for Kaieteur Sport after their win against the GDF on Sunday night. (Franklin Wilson photo)

By Franklin Wilson
Sunburst Camptown have claimed the title and bragging rights as the knockout kings of the city following their 1-0 win over the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in the final of the Banks Premium Beer competition which ended on Sunday night at the Tucville ground.
Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United won the 3rd place match up 3-1 on penalty kicks against home team Fruta Conquerors after the sides played out a 2-2 tie in regulation and extra time.

It was the perfect climax to a tournament which saw the 16 clubs (Premier & Division One) in Georgetown facing off to settle once and for all, who is the best in the business. Camptown walked away with that title.
Kwame La Fleur was the star of the game finally putting away one of the many chances afforded him in the 60th minute skillfully accepting a pass from Seon Hope. He (La fleur) worked his way past the Army’s defence down the middle in their half before clinically slapping the ball to the left of the advancing goalkeeper, Akel Clarke.

This goal no doubt, eased a tremendous tension that was building up among the fans and players of either team. The speed and fitness of the Army was matched by the confidence and assuredness of the Campbellville based Camptown whose seasoned players in Captain Orlando Gilgeous and Troy ‘Bugs’ Prescod proved vital in the end.

Both former national players were able to manage their young team admirably backed up by the astute guidance of Head Coach Troy Mendonca, himself a former national defender who is carving out a name for himself as one of the better coaches around, locally.
While the Army displayed a high level of fitness, Camptown proved the better of two tactically with Prescod taking charge in midfield a role that created a great impact for his team. La Fleur’s speed and control upfront along with Telson McKinnon, who never really got going, also had its effects on the Army’s defence which was led by Selwyn Isaacs another national player.

The Golden Goal!!! Camptown forward Kwame La Fleur (No. 7) caught moments before he unleashed the winning goal against Fruta Conquerors on Sunday night. (Franklin Wilson photo)

As the battle developed it was clear that unlike other encounters, the Army were not going to enjoy a smooth run with Gilgeous and his fellow defenders, which included Kester Alleyne and custodian Richie Richards, being able to shut out the threats of GDF’s main strikers, Gavin Wilson and Warren Gilkes.
Spectators surely, regardless of which team they were backing enjoyed what was a keen battle.
The final 15 minutes saw the Army turning on relentless pressure on Camptown who fell into a defensive mode. That stance almost backfired with quite a few attempts just wide of the uprights and cross bar.
The third place match was also a tight affair as Fruta Conquerors came from behind to grab the lead but eventually gave it up before going on to lose via penalty kicks, a dismal performance from the spot.

Elton Brown had given alpha the lead 12 minutes into the game but Conqueror’s Captain Joylon Harry pulled them even in the 32nd minute. Three minutes later Devon Forde pushed the home team, Fruta, into the lead an advantage which they enjoyed until the 4th minute into the second half when they gave up a penalty.
Current senior national defender Howard Lowe made no mistake in converting for Alpha in the 49th minute.
While chances were created none were converted by either team. Alpha were spot on from the penalty spot as kicks were required to decide the winner.

They scored all three (Lowe, Carlos Monkhouse and Gordon Henry) with Conquerors only able to score one of four. Veteran Gerald Gritten on target with Harry going outside the upright, Trevon Lythcott’s shot touching the fingers of goalkeeper Shawn Johnson on its way to the upright and out while Fitzroy Whiterspoon’s shot sailed way over the cross bar.

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