Pele Gold & Trophy Stall All Stars are GT&T FastBall Kings & Queens

Aug 09, 2011 Sports

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Shawn Johnson & Nicola Leacock are MVP’s

By Franklin Wilson
Pele Gold whipped BK International Western Tigers A 3-0 and Trophy Stall All Stars

(Georgetown) squeezed to a thrilling 3-2 win over Eagles United (Lethem) to lift the respective male and female championships when the inaugural GT&T FastBall knock-out football competitions ended in grand style at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Sunday evening.
Witnessed by a massive and involved crowd, the Historic FastBall competitions brought to an end over six weeks of intense rivalry throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.
Pele Gold was in rampaging mood in the final dispatching Western Tigers with ease in the process. Pele took the attack to the Tigers from the first whistle, showcasing a high level of energy that was not seen before as the saved the best for last.
The Tigers were placed on the back foot from the start and were kept on the back foot by the rampaging Pele, solid as fine gold.
It was no surprise however when Pele following an excellent buildup, which started at midfield, scored perhaps one of the best constructed goals of the tournament. Stellon David, who had been quiet during the other matches, dribbled his way pass three Tigers before slipping the ball through to Marvin Joseph who turned fired past custodian Travis Bess at the near post in the 14th minute, Pele 2 Western Tigers 0 compliments of the blue ball.

One minute later the half ended, save and except for a few bright sparks from the Tigers, it was Pele enjoying the better play and possession with Travis Grant controlling the midfield, David, Joseph and young Kerwyn Benjamin attacking relentlessly, the Tigers defence.
Pele were very swift in putting the game beyond the reach of the wounded Tigers and they seemed out of it. One minute into the half, Stellon David ensured that his name would be the last to be recorded on the score sheets in this inaugural chapter of FastBall increasing the advantage for Pele 3 Western Tigers 0.
For their efforts Pele lifted the One Million Dollars winners cheque with Western Tigers walking away with $500,000 for their efforts, both teams were also presented with promotional credit.
In the semifinals that were also contested earlier, Pele endured a tough test from Bakewell Topp XX to win 1-0 on penalty kicks following a 2-2 regulation time scoreline. Topp XX had taken a 2-0 lead through goals from Keon Sears in the 6th minute and Romain Haynes 3 minutes later.
That advantage was wiped out by Travis Grant with a blue ball goal on the stroke of half time. Troy Kellman scored for Pele from the spot; Topp XX’s goalie Carlos Browne missing his shot to send Pele through.
Western Tigers were in a rampant mood as they demolished Adam’s Rockers 5-0 in their semifinal showdown.  Dwayne Ali scored a helmet-trick (11, 17 28); Ryan Thomas scoring the other in the 22nd minute.
Female Tourney
Since only four teams registered for this version of the tournament, they went right into semifinal mode, all eyeing the top prize of 100,000 along with promotional credit.
Eventual winner’s, Trophy Stall All Stars representing the city looked solid in defeating

Solid Gold of Bartica 3-0 with goals from Somola Norton (blue ball) in the 30th minute, Amanda Armstrong opening the scoring in the 23rd minute.
Eagles United (Lethem) were relentless in trashing Linden 7-0 to book their place in the final against Trophy Stall All Stars. Faette Wesxiceslaus was on target in the 26th and 30th minute, Vanessa Scipio hit the network in the 21st, Janet Chinian in the 15th and Sonia Griffith who set the tone for the win with her 3rd minute effort.
As expected the final turned out to be a scorcher with Eagles never backing off as they kept the Trophy Stall ladies under pressure. Collette Hope (8) and Charmaine Wade (12) guided Trophy Stall into the lead but Lethem; compliments of the blue ball drew level in the 13th minute through a Faette Wexiceslaus 6 second penalty.
The game seemed to be headed for sudden death penalties but Andrea Lashley had other ideas when she drilled the winning goal past the Eagles goalkeeper in the 20th minute.
Trophy Stall All Stars, Nicola Leacock, was named the Most Valuable Player on the distaff side with Pele Gold custodian Shawn Johnson the MVP among the males.

The ceremonial kick-off before the final was done by Honorable Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and GT&T CEO Yog Mahadeo who also made brief remarks as did Minister of Culture Youth and Sports Dr. Frank Anthony and Guyana Football Federation President, Colin Klass.
All the speakers congratulated the teams which participated in the competitions and wished them well going forward. Mahadeo informed that the competitions will be held on an annual basis while thanking all for their support.

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