Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Tournament…Large turnout witness champs Melanie ‘A’ start on positive note

Mar 20, 2015 Sports

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Watched by a large crowd that included Region 4 Chairman Clement Corlette, reigning champion Melanie ‘A’ made a positive start to their title defence by edging a stubborn Mahaica unit 2-1 as the East Coast segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Tournament commenced, at the Haslington Tarmac on Wednesday evening.

The champs were quick out of the blocks and took the lead after two minutes through Jamal George, who raced on to a pass from the right side to lash into an empty goal. Both teams produced some exciting football and Mahaica gained the equaliser when Eon Abel fired past the defence from just outside the penalty area in the 11th minute of play.
However, even before the celebrations subsided the Kings of the East Coast responded with William Europe hitting a rasping shot after being played through into the back of the goal in the 12th minute. No more goals were scored and the champs managed to walk away with full points.
In the opening encounter, Paradise produced a near flawless performance to beat Church Yard United 4-1 with Jamal Garnett netting a double in the 17th and 18th minutes of play, while Christopher Adams in the 20th and Jermin Clark 23rd completed their tally.
Rolex Gouveia’s 23rd minute penalty was the lone response for Church Yard United. Plaisance ‘A’ then registered an impressive 3-0 triumph over Mahaicony United with Warren Gilkes opening the scoring in the 2nd minute after he fired into an unattended goal following a assist from the left flank.

Teyon Lowe then gave them an important 2-0 cushion in the 9th minute hitting a powerful shot on the first attempt, before the stranded defence could recover and his effort was followed up four minutes later when Carlos Matthews netted to add even more comfort to the scoreline for Plaisance ‘A’.
Nabaclis then floored Victoria Eagles in a closely fought contest, prevailing 2-1.  Allomo Jack gave Nabaclis the lead in the 7th minute after producing a nifty move down the right side, before hitting into the goal and his effort was complemented two minutes later when Seretsi Huntley delivered a fierce right-footed intro the goal.
Victoria Eagles eventually got a consolation strikein the 19th minute compliments o Kishawn Alfred, who netted a right-footer. Buxton defeated Plaisance ‘B’ 2-1 on penalty kicks after regulation time ended 0-0, while Beterverwagting (BV) ‘A’ edged host Haslington 1-0.
Quacy Price was the player on target for the winners, scoring in the 4th minute.  BV ‘B’ beat Ann’s Grove Punters 2-0 with Threon Petri in the 8th and Erin Fraser in the 10th the players entering the scoresheet.
Debutant Melanie ‘B’ made a successful start to their quest for top honours when they defeated Golden Grove Superstars 2-0. Akeem Bacchus 7th minute strike and Amoniki Rodgers’ 20th effort was enough for the win.
The action is scheduled to resume today with eighth more games, at the same venue. In the opening encounter from 19:00hrs, Church Yard United tackles Melanie ‘B’, while BV ‘A’ go up against Plaisance ‘B’ at 19:30hrs.
At 20:00hrs, Ann’s Grove Punters square off against Mahaica, while Golden Grove Superstars battles Paradise from 20:30hrs. At 21:00hrs, Nabaclis clash with Plaisance ‘A’, while Mahaicony United and Victoria Eagles collide at 21:30hrs.
Buxton then engages Haslington from 22:00hrs, before Melanie ‘A’ and BV ‘B’ bring the curtains in a replay of last year’s decider.  Winners of the event will receive $300,000 and the championship trophy, while the runner-up takes home $150,000, third and fourth place finishers cart off $100,000 and $75,000 respectively. The top two teams will represent the East Coast in the national playoffs in June.
The night’s full results: Game-1 – Paradise-4 vs Church Yard United-1. Paradise Scorers, Jamal Garnett-17th and 18th, Christopher Adams-20th, Jermin Clark-23rd. Church Yard Scorer, Rolex Goveia-23rd (penalty kick).
Game-2 – Plaisance ‘A’-3 vs Mahaicony United-0. Warren Gilkes-2nd, Teyon Lowe-9th, Carlos Matthews-13th.
Game-3 – Buxton-0 vs Plaisance ‘B’-0. Buxton won 2-1 on penalty kicks.
Game-4 – Nabaclis-2 vs Victoria Eagles-1. Nabaclis Scorers, Allamo Jack-7th, Seretsi Huntley-9th. Victoria Scorer, Kishawn Alfred-19th.
Game-5 – BV ‘B’-2 vs Ann’s Grove Punters-0. Threon Petri-8th, Erin Hunter-10th.
Game-6 – Melanie ‘A’-2 vs Mahaica-1, Melanie ‘A’ Scorers, Jamal George-2nd, William Europe-11th. Mahaica Scorer – Eon Abel-10th.
Game-7 – Melanie ‘B’-2 vs Golden Grove Superstars-0, Akeem Bacchus-7th, Amoniki Rodgers-20th.
Game-8 – BV ‘A’-1 vs Haslington-0, Quacey Price-4th.

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