Corona Beer Beach Soccer League...Royal Youths are inaugural champions; KK Warriors beat champs to end on a high

Corona Beer Beach Soccer League…Royal Youths are inaugural champions; KK Warriors beat champs to end on a high

Apr 19, 2016 Sports

By Franklin Wilson
Royal Youths of Linden emerged as the inaugural champions of the Corona Beer sponsored Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA), Beach Soccer League which concluded in exciting fashion on Sunday night last at the

Royal Youths Captain Marvin Sullivan proudly collects the trophy from Ms Lise Lewis of Top Brandz Distributors, local agents of Corona Beer in the presence of teammates.

Bayrock Beach Soccer Park, Bayrock, Linden.
In the final game of the league which was witnessed by Top Brandz Distributors / Corona Beer Marketing Representative Ms Lise Lewis and President’s of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde and GBFA Rollin Tappin, Kuru Kururu Warriors, the lone East Bank Football Association representative team, upstaged the new champions in a thriller, 7-6; spoiling their previously unblemished record.
The match, which saw end to end action in all three 12 minute periods, was dubbed ‘The Thriller at the Basin’ given the nature of excitement it created for the very appreciative dozens of fans who were on hand to witness what was a fitting end to this historic league.
It was the Linden Soesdyke Highway based lads who would score the first and last goals to stun the home team. Executing the honours was one of their lethal forwards, Ryan Scott (hat-trick) who has established himself as the spoiler having come to the rescue of his team in the dying moments of many matches, Sunday night’s being no different.
As a matter of fact, the scores were tied 6-6 with less than one minute remaining. Warriors’ goalkeeper, Ethan Sparman passed the ball directly to Scott who was deep in the Royal Youths half.
Very aware of his position which was in close proximity to goal, Scott, with a glancing header

Shane Luckie receives the Highest Goal Scorer prize from Top Brandz, Corona Beer Representative, Ms Lise Lewis.

sneaked past the surprised Royal Youths goalie Trevon Miller to seal a memorable win whilst securing the second place overall for the Warriors even as the winner avenged a first round loss.
The fans and players erupted in wild celebrations on the final buzzer and the DJ appropriately spun Dwayne Bravo’s hit song, Champion. Even the fans joined in as they performed the trade mark dance that goes along with it.
Scott was ably assisted by strike partner Cordel Johnson who netted one, along with Kevon Walker, Michael Carrington and Christopher Fraser. Royal Youths got their goals from Shane Luckie (2). Kurd Johnson (2) with one apiece from Tshekederi Whitehead and Allan Haley.
Luckie ended as the league’s Highest Goal Scorer netting a total of 24 goals and received the Germans Restaurant sponsored trophy, while teammate Marvin Sullivan was adjudged the competition’s Most Valuable Player.
Coach of the champion team, Michael Baird was named the Best Coach of the tournament while his opposite number from the Warriors, Dale Roberts received the Fair Play trophy as the most Disciplined Team on behalf of his team, while also being rewarded by the GBFA for exceptional service rendered towards the success of the league.
Cool Runnings was also victorious on the night defeating Silver Bullets 4-3 to claim the third place trophy. Jermaine Grandison netted a brace for the winners along with one each from Denzil Fordyce and Rodwyn Fraser. Silver Bullets got their goals from Gishawn Freeman, Tony Gilbert and Jermaine Daniels.
In two exhibition matches, Linden Lucas trounced B Harry Lumber 7-3 while Bernard’s Variety All Stars edged Boss 6-5.
The top four clubs will be receiving cash incentives of $250,000; $150,000; $100,000 and $40,000 respectively at a ceremony shortly.
Meanwhile, GFF President Wayne Forde in brief remarks before the presentation of trophies complimented the participating clubs for their combined efforts which made the league a success in its first year.
He also thanked Top Brandz Distributors for partnering with the GBFA under the Corona Beer brand to deliver a memorable league.