GFC take top honours in inaugural Stag Revival Cup
The Georgetown Football Club (GFC) scripted a perfect end to the inaugural Stag Revival Cup tournament after they defeated Police FC on their home turf surrounded by droves of boisterous supporters Monday night.
After months of play and delay in the Georgetown Football Association (GFA)-organised tournament, the curtains were set to be closed on Sunday night with a feisty battle between Police and GFC on the latter’s home ground, Bourda.
When the two sides took to the field, fans knew that they were in for a monumental clash as the teams made their intentions to pocket the half-million dollar grand prize clear from the sound of the first whistle.
The start was slow with both sides looking to penetrate the other’s goal early on, but GFC were the first team to record a goal, coming off the boots of LaVaugh Enniss in the 34th minute. The home team managed to hold off their opponents for the remainder of the first half and much of the second before the lead was extended in the 79th minute, courtesy of Rondell Peters.
Police had a last-minute burst of fighting spirit, as Stephan Ramsey eventually found the back of the net in the 87th minute. But it was a little too late for the law enforcement officers, as GFC lifted the championship trophy and walked away with $500,000 cash.
The third-place play-off also ended with a similar scorecard as GT Panthers out-played Elite League winners Fruta Conquerors. Carlos Duncan was the first to get the scorecard ticking for GT Panthers in the 20th minute. Just before the half expired, Dellon Williams slipped one past the GT Panthers’ goalkeeper to make for an interesting second half. Desmond Cotton was the man responsible for extending GT Panthers’ lead after he found the back of the net in the 68th minute, sealing a win for his team.
The second-place winner Police pocketed $250,000, while third place GT Panthers copped $150,000.
The Revival Cup was launched last year by the GFA with support from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to cater for football clubs within the Georgetown area, resuscitating the competitive spirit between the Georgetown clubs after a long time.