Hamilton, Dennis hat-tricks dazzle in Ann’s Grove, Santos wins

Hamilton, Dennis hat-tricks dazzle in Ann’s Grove, Santos wins
It was hat-trick night at the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Center (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Saturday night as two three-star performances led Ann’s Grove United Football Club and Santos FC to victory.
Ann’s Grove found themselves in the winners’ circle first, with a clinical display for a 4-1 win over Den Amstel FC.
The East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) club took first strike early, through Julius Hamilton in the sixth minute. Yohance Francis joined the scoring in the very next minute to

put Den Amstel at an early 0-2 deficit.
However, Hamilton was not done. He found the back of the net once again in the 19th minute and when an infraction in the box from Den Amstel resulted in a penalty opportunity for Ann’s Grove, Hamilton went up to the penalty spot and converted beautifully, to complete his hattrick.
Den Amstel were a more composed side in the second half, preventing their opponents from penetrating their defences again. But that was not enough to cut down the four-goal gap.
They had a consolation goal in the 78th minute when another slip-up, this time on Ann’s Grove’s part, saw Cleavon Murray hitting the back of the net from a penalty opportunity.
Ann’s Grove maintained their defence until the end of regulation time for the 4-1 win.
The second match of Saturday’s double-header saw Santos FC taking on 2026/27 debutants Camptown FC.
Camptown shockingly took the lead first, through Lennox Cort in the 28th minute. Now against the ropes, Tyrice Dennis found the equaliser for Santos FC in the 36th minute. The score would remain fixed at 1-1 well into the second half, before Dennis found the back of the net again in the 69th minute.
However, Camptown FC roared back as Marlon Bethel beat the goalkeeper, also in the 69th, to push the score to 2-2. While both sides searched feverishly for the game-winner, it was Santos’ youthful experience that came into play as they held off their fellow Georgetown Football Association member.
In the 90th, Dennis struck gold once again to complete his hat-trick and seal Santos’ narrow 3-2 victory.
Later on, Santos FC Coach Dwain Jacobs dedicated his team’s triumph to the late Buxton United FC Coach Hubert McPherson, known as Coach Dan, who passed away last week.
“I want to dedicate this victory to Coach Dan that passed. Nuff love to you and your family always,” Jacobs shared in a post-match interview.
Earlier, players, Coaches, administrators, and patrons observed a moment of silence for the late Coach McPherson prior to the commencement of Saturday’s double-header.
The 10 teams in the Elite League 2026/27 are competing for a $4 million grand prize. The action will continue next weekend