Banks Beer / GFA KO Cup…Sunburst Camptown new champs

Jan 03, 2013 Sports

---

– Northern Rangers upset GDF

They are always considered dangerous when it comes to money tournaments and it is a pity that a promising Riddim Squad side had to find that out for themselves after succumbing 2-0 to Sunburst Camptown in the final of this year’s Banks Beer / GFA Knockout Cup which ended on Tuesday evening, at the GCC ground.

Played before what was undoubtedly the largest crowd to ever assemble at the world famous venue, Sunburst Camptown led by a brace from striker Devon Forde in the 51st and 60th minutes carted off the top prize of $4million leaving beaten finalist Riddim Squad to take home a hefty $2.5million.
Meanwhile, Northern Rangers FC upset Guyana Defence Force FC 3-1 in the third place play off for a payday of $1.5 million, while the Army received $1million.
In an atmosphere that mimicked Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, Camptown displayed the tactical sharpness and mental resilience befitting champions as they resisted a spirited Riddim Squad side in a lively final.
With thousands of fans urging on their respective teams in conditions that were clearly the best experienced underfoot for the entire tournament, the first half started out at a hectic pace with both sides trying to grab the early initiative. Affirming their tactical proficiency, the Mocha outfit started to dictate proceedings with the Campbellville based unit defending stoutly, while posing a significant threat on the counter attack.
The blueprint continued throughout the exchanges as stout defending championed the cause of broken plays and mistimed passes. Buoyed by their fanatical following, Riddim Squad came close to breaking the deadlock, but the dependable Oswald Cornette stationed between the uprights brilliantly averted any danger.
Clearly getting the better of the attacking exchanges and dictating the tempo through their efficient passing range, Riddim Squad continued to look more purposeful in mid-field and the attacking third as the opposition struggled to find their rhythm.
The Hope brothers Sceyon and Sheldon along with Lyttleton Ramsay produced some fine runs, but some dogged defending by the Camptown backline nullified their efforts.
Both teams tried to consolidate their respective positions and with the interval approaching the intent of both sides became clearer as they pushed forward for the lead.
However, after 45 minutes of play, none were able to score, sending the contest into a second half slugfest.
On the resumption, the battle of attrition continued with end to end action as they fought for the ascendancy, while at the centre of the enthralling battle stood Referee Wayne Griffith, who along with his assistants did a marvelous job to keep the proceedings under control.
The deadlock was finally broken as a moment of mental indiscretion lead to Forde’s strike which sent the Campbellville side’s band of supporters into wild celebration.
Shocked by their dilemma, the Mocha based unit attacked desperately to restore parity, only to be found wanting as they were easily dispossessed by the robust Camptown defence.
Riddim Squad, a team with less experience than their nemesis at the championship level uncharacteristically struggled to regain the attacking potency after falling behind and gave away possession with alarming frequency and nine minutes later paid for their recklessness when Forde completed his double.
Dejected by the prevailing state of affairs, lobbed passes highlighted the urgency of the Mocha outfit as they desperately tried to find a way back into the game, only to be uncovered continuously on the counter attack. Camptown’s inspirational leader Reshawn Sandiford had a glorious chance to put the game to rest, but missed an open goal from point blank range much to the mortification of his teammates and supporters.
As the game neared its inevitable conclusion, a sense of anticipation overtook the sold out arena as spectators flocked to the touchline in anticipation of the unavoidable final whistle. The outcome was finally cast in stone as time expired, sending players, spectators and members of the coaching staff rushing hysterically onto the playing area celebrating in a sea of palette revelry.
In the first game, Northern Rangers showed the tenacity and grit to upset a tough Guyana Defence Force unit. The first half began with both teams trying to seize the early initiative. Palpably on the ascendency and dictating the rhythm of proceedings, the army men constantly pressed forward with Northern Rangers clearly on the back foot and desperately defending not to concede.
The stalemate was broken compliments of Desford Williams strike in the 20th minute to bring loud cheers from the Army faithful. The game quickly opened up as both teams attacked feverishly trying to strengthen their opposing positions. Balance was restored in the 37th minute compliments of Frederick Boyce. The open nature of the game continued as the half time interval quickly approached.
The second half started out as a replica of the first, before a brief moment of abandon in defensive function allowed Denroy Bowen to score in the 55th minute to give Northern Rangers the shock lead.
The boys from Kitty further strengthened their position courtesy of a magnificent Omali Nassy strike in the 70th minute.
The upset was finally complete as the final whistle sounded.
Marketing Executive Carlton Joao made the presentation of prizes to the four teams.
Meanwhile, it was announced that the eighteen teams that participated in the competition will divide equally 30% of the gate receipts after all expenses are paid.

---

---