Stag Beer/EBFA host division-one presentation

Apr 10, 2010 Sports

Ryan Scott named MVP; Esmond Sam is Best Goalie; John Matthews Highest Goal Scorer

By Franklin Wilson

The top individual performers and teams in the 2009 Stag Beer sponsored East Bank Football Association division-one league were yesterday presented with their prizes when the sponsors held the presentation ceremony at their BV, East Coast Demerara, Headquarters.
The two-round League which concluded two weeks ago kicked off in the final quarter of 2009 and saw a total of 34 matches with 71 goals being scored.
Emerging as the winner were Timehri Panthers who defeated Grove Hi Tec in the final game which decided the winner, Timehri ending on 24 points to Grove’s 20.
They collected the championship trophy and a cheque for $125,000 from Stag Beer Representative John Maikoo while Grove received the runner-up trophy and $75,000. Third place Kuru Kuru Warriors pocketed $50,000 and 4th placed Yarrowkabra in their first season at this level took home $25,000 along with a trophy. The Warriors were named the Most Disciplined team and presented with the Fair Play trophy. John Matthews (Grove Hi Tec) received a pair of boots for ending as the highest goal scorer; he hit the network on 9 occasions. Copping the Most Valuable Player prize of a pair of boots was Ryan Scott of Kuru Kuru Warriors while the Best Goalkeeper accolade was bestowed upon Esmond Sam of Timehri Panthers.
Maikoo in feature remarks stated that it was a great opportunity for his company through Stag Beer to partner the EBFA in reviving the sport on the East Bank after a hiatus of just over two years.
Maikoo observed that there is a lot more work that needs to be done if the sport is to really take off but acknowledged that the work has begun.
“There were a lot of young players I saw playing with the various teams and this is a good sign for the sport and East Bank. Stag will be willing to work along with the EBFA for another tournament of this nature and it will surely be better and larger.”
EBFA President Wayne Francois gave an overview of the tournament which saw a total of 8 teams competing. He thanked the sponsor for their investment in revitalizing the sport when it was most needed. The Red Cross also came in for high praise for work done during the course of the League.