Champions Dave & Celina commenced the defence of their title on a negative note after suffering a 2-1 defeat on penalty kicks to Amelia’s Ward Russians on the opening night of the Linden segment of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition, which got started on Sunday, at the Mackenzie Market Tarmac.
The defending champions Dave and Celina All-Stars suffered an opening round defeat (file photo)
After playing to a goalless stalemate in regulation time, the new-look reigning champs, holders of the national title as well, went down in the penalty shootout to make Friday’s must-see clash against Amazings a must-win encounter.
Another impressive turnout that braved the inclement weather saw NK Ballers, made up of players that defected from last year’s Dave & Celina line-up, narrowly escape with a 1-0 win over Assassin Ballers through a 15th minute strike from Jermaine Grandison.
Also in the winners’ row were Hard Knocks who looked in fine form following a comfortable 2-0 triumph over Amazings, with Allon Alley in the 7th minute and Marley Major’s effort in the 14th proving enough to secure victory.
In the night’s opener, newcomers Quiet Storm kept Big Guns silent in their 2-0 win, while former champs Team 25 edged Young Guns 1-0 and Swag Entertainment who many fancy to go all the way offered the fans a glimpse of their ability with a 3-1 thumping of Cherokee Park.
The prolific duo of Shane Luckie, who netted a brace, and Colwyn Drakes were the players on target for the winners, while Nantanbu Arbar made the lone response for the losers.
The competition goes to the Silver City hard courts this Friday, with six more matches scheduled to be played, before returning Sunday to the Mackenzie Market Tarmac.
