Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Bartica… : Mighty Ruler successfully defend crown with 3-0 thrashing of Jones Avenue
The Mighty Ruler’s reign as Bartica’s Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” football champions was extended for one more year on Sunday night when they dented hopes of an upset with a solid 3-0 thumping of Jones Avenue in the final, played at the Bartica Community Centre Ground.
A glimpse of the presentation made to Region Seven Chairman Kenneth Williams alongside Banks DIH’s Jeff Clement, Keanu Harry and Keon Savoury
The incumbent champions did not disappoint their loyal fans as they wriggled out of a close first period encounter, to the delight of their adoring base.
Their leading scorer in this tournament, Andrew Simmons was there to capitalise on a defensive breakdown by their opponents in the 23rd minute. It was Simmons’ ninth goal in the tournament and from there on, there was no turning back as the Mighty Ruler took control.
Oswin Joseph sealed things with his deadly strike via a Guinness Goal, worth two goals, in the 27th minute making it 3-0, with time running out.
Banks DIH Brand Manager Jeff Clement (left); Banks DIH Bartica Branch Manager Keron Savoury (right) and Bartica Branch Outdoor Supervisor Keanu Harry (second from right) with Mighty Ruler team players during the presentation
The retention of the championship trophy and winning of the $500,000 prize incentive landed Mighty Ruler the right to represent Bartica in the Guinness grand national championship, slated for later this year in Georgetown.
The runners-up, Jones Avenue received $300,000 and a trophy.
In the third-place play-off, Misdeamor spanked Spaniard Man 2-0, with Usher Jones and Reon Hall netting the goals in the eighth and 18th minutes respectively. Victory brought $200,000 with Spaniard Man getting $150,000.
Earlier in the evening, Jones Avenue earned a 2-0 victory over Misdeamor, through a goal by Cyle Timmerman, who netted in the second minute of play, and one coming off the boots of Joshua Jones in the 28th minute.
A look at the final action featuring Mighty Ruler and Jones Avenue
Then, Mighty Ruler dismissed the challenge posed by Spaniard Man as Simmons drilled in two goals in the 22nd and 23rd minutes of play respectively, and Whitney Welcome finished things off one minute later.
In the battle for the $100,000 Plate competition among the losing quarterfinalists, Bad Boys emerged winners by getting the better of Ghenosyde 3-2, as Daniel Gardner scored the goals for the winning side.
He opened the scoring in the third minute and a Guinness Goal, recorded as a double, came in the 30th minute. Ghenosyde’s goals were netted by Jah Cure in the fourth and 20th minutes.
Meanwhile, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) Chairman Kenneth Williams received six floodlights from Banks DIH’s Brand Manager Jeff Clement, who witnessed the final. Clement assisted in the various presentations after the final where Banks DIH Bartica Branch Manager Keron Savoury and their Outdoor Supervisor Keanu Harry were also present.
