Sunburst Camptown are 2008 Milo U-21 champs

Apr 30, 2009 Sports

– Edge Pele 2-1 in final

We've done it!!! Sunburst Camptown Captain Reshawn Sandiford collects the champions' trophy from Milo's representative Selwyn Bobb in the presence of ecstatic teammates. Club coach Sampson Gilbert (stooping left) and Manager Leroy Prescod (standing right) share the moment.

By Franklin Wilson
Sunburst Camptown are the 2008 Milo under-21 champions, defeating Pele 2-1 in the final contested on Tuesday evening at the Tucville ground.
The win for the Campbellville-based club was their second championship in as many weeks following victory in the final of the Banks Premium Beer competition.
Pele, who replaced the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for the title fight following the GDF’s expulsion for fielding an overage player, provided stiff competition for the champions in what was a keen tussle between sides featuring a number of premier league players.

The young ball weavers, despite playing in simultaneous competitions in the city and East Demerara, still mustered the energy to play their hearts out for their respective clubs.
The competition was fierce and the exchanges balanced in a tough contest. The fact that the first goal was registered two minutes to the half tells the story.

Pele it was who drew first blood, with Rensford Coolridge sending a long ball into the Camptown area from on their right side and Quincy Hemerding at the far post making no mistake in banging the ball past the tournament’s best goal goalkeeper Richie Richards – to his right – in the 43rd minute.
Pele’s go-ahead goal awakened Camptown whose forwards and midfield were comfortably enjoying the better of the exchanges.

The Winner!!! Camptown’s Anthony Belfield’s (on ground) winning goal whistles past Pele’s keeper Shemroy Arthur and defender Joshua Kamal in the Milo final. Belfield’s teammate Cordel Johnson (No. 5) enjoys the moment. (Franklin Wilson photo)

They could have hardly enjoy the lead when on the next rundown, Chris Camacho worked his way down the left flank close to the box before laying it off to Telson Mc Kinnon to deftly finish past Shemroy Arthur with one minute to half time.
The winning strike, a left footed smash, was scored in the 58th minute, resulting from a corner kick taken by Camacho.

The ball picked out the waiting Anthony Belfield who, with absolute ferocity, struck past the Pele defence and more importantly, their custodian. No more goals materialized but the game was no less exciting.
For their winning effort, Camptown pocketed $80,000 in cash, a trophy and 10 Milo balls while Pele received a trophy, $40,000 and 5 Milo balls.
Fruta Conquerors, who took the 3rd place without kicking a ball due to the Army’s exit, took away $20,000 and 3 balls.

According to Georgetown Football Association Honorary Secretary, Marlan Cole, Riddim Squad will be the most likely candidate for the 4th place prize of $10,000 and 2 balls since they were defeated by the GDF 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 0-0 regulation and extra time score line in the quarter finals.
Georgetown Football Club won the trophy for the most disciplined team while Camptown’s Captain Reshawn Sandiford took the trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Pele’s Sheldon Holder ended as the highest goal scorer with 5.