Grove continue “giant killing” run

– book final date with pouncing soldiers

It seems there is no bean stalk too big for Grove Hi-Tech as they slayed another giant on their way to the final of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) ‘Super 16’ year-end tournament. On Friday evening at the National Track and Field Facility at Leonora, another giant dropped in the form of Fruta Conquerors as Grove battled their way to a 4-3 victory of one of the city’s top teams.
The trilling win was orchestrated by national player Kelsey Benjamin who netted a brace with goals in the 12th and 21st. Cutez Kellman extended the lead with a goal in the 27th but Jermaine Junior brought some first half respite with a goal in the 30th.

The second stanza began with much of the same dominance by Grove and their constant efforts on goal eventually brought virtue when Denzil Crawford converted in the 67th.
It seemed all over until Solomon Austin scored from the spot kick in the 77th followed by Eon Alleyne eleven minutes later. The late surge while it provided wholesome entertainment proved not to be enough for the men in orange.
In the other fixture, tournament favourites Guyana Defence Force (GDF) demolished Milerock 4-1 in the lopsided contest. Jeffrey Pereira gave the soldiers the early lead in the 24th but the first half was not to see another goal.
The route materialized in the second half when Delwin Fraser scored in the 60th but the Linden unit through Randy Jerome reduced the lead in the 67th. Capping off a fine display by the men in green, Sherwin Caesar (85th) and Delroy Fraser scored in the 88th.
The final will be contested on New Year’s Day between Grove and GDF while Conquerors and Milerock battle in the third-place play-off.
Teams are playing for the grand cash prize of $2million, while the losing finalist will receive $1million, third place $500,000 and fourth $250,000.