Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Berbice Zone: East Bank Gunners needle 2-time defending champs to take title
A goal in the second half from the penalty spot was enough for East Bank Gunners to secure a win over two-time defending champions Trafalgar in the final of Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Berbice Zone on Saturday evening.
Sherwin Nicholson was adjudged Most Valuable Player (MVP) and registered his fourth goal in the two-night tournament, which involved 16 teams to give Gunners the win and receive the $400,000 first prize.
In Saturday night’s final played at the New Amsterdam Basketball Court, the two-time defending champions took their time and created a few opportunities, but could not score despite having over 60 per cent of ball possession.
In the dying stages of the first half, East Bank Gunners had a golden opportunity, but could not place the ball where it mattered.
East Bank Gunners went on total defence in the second half, being outplayed by the much-more experienced Trafalgar team but neither team were able to score during regulation time.
Champions! East Bank Gunners receive the championship cheque and trophy after defeating Trafalgar to win the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Berbice Zone
A foul in the box by Trafalgar gave East Bank Gunners a golden opportunity. Nicholson took the shot and made no mistake in sending his team into the lead. That goal was all that the game would see.
Earlier, East Bank Gunners earned their spot in the final with a 1-0 win over East Bank Young Guns. It was Nicholson who scored the lone goal in the game.
Trafalgar, however, had to fight much harder to earn their place in the final during their semi-final match-up with Big Ballers.
The score was 1-1 at the end of extra and regulation time. Evlon Fordyce scored for Trafalgar while Evon Smith scored for Big Ballers.
The game was decided from the penalty spot and saw Trafalgar being victorious.
In the play-off for third place, Big Ballers registered a 3-0 win over East Bank Young Guns.
Second-place finisher Trafalgar received $300,000 and third-place finisher Big Ballers $200,000. East Bank Young Guns received $100,000 as the fourth-place finisher.
Sixteen teams took part in the Berbice leg of the tournament.
The national tournament is being sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd under its Guinness brand. Also on board as a sponsor was Colours Boutique of Robb Street.
