As the Mayor’s Cup Football Tournament came to an end, one last twist in the tail was on the cards as underdogs, the Guyana Police Force Sports Club unsettled favourites, Western Tigers in a thrilling on Sunday at the Tucville Ground, Georgetown.
Police retrieved their first ever Mayor’s Cup Championship
After more than 20 years police were finally rewarded for their heroics, as the new champions carted off with the $700,000 first prize compliments of Aruwai Resort.
The much hyped finale turned out to be a one sided affair, after Western Tigers lost their bite which allowed the aggressive and more hungry Police unit to neutralize the timid tigers attack with more than 70 percent of the game being played in the Tigers’ half of the field.
A few mis-calculated shots only allowed Police to finish the game with a 2-nil victory, though it seemed as if much more damage could have been done.
Police were lead brilliantly by their leading marksman, Anthio Wallace, who penetrated the defence of Western Tigers in the 25th minute. Wallace collected inside the box, after a deflect from Western Tigers’ goalkeeper and easily guided it in the net with one of the softest of touches.
With just four minutes remaining to the close of the first half, Wallace once again returned to score the to give Police a non-assailing 2-nil lead. Coming off a free kick from the left, Wallace leaped to the skies over the Western Tiger’s defenders to produce a stunning header in the 41st minute.
In the second half, Western Tigers were out of the contest as tiredness was evident on the players and desperation kicked in.
With less than 10 minutes remaining on the clock Randolph Wagner was given a red card after Western Tigers were desperately trying and failing to find the back of the net.
In the last minute of play and the two extra minutes of injury time added on, a desperate showing for the Western Tigers tried to score but the Police defence was on a high and prevented any other twist.
Coach of the Police team, Dwayne Bobb thanked Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine and the entire force for giving them the support they needed when the team was seen as just making up numbers. Bobb, who indicated that this was his fourth final after reaching this stage three times with Santos pointed out that the extra work done behind the scenes have paid off hugely.
In the battle for third place, Ann’s Grove needled Federal Winners Connection to end the tournament on a positive note. Nkasi Denny pieced the Lindener’s defence in the 38th minute.
Western Tigers won $300,000 and the Ansa McAL trophy. East Coast Demerara side Ann’s Grove received the John Fernandes Trophy and $200,000 for their spirited showing in the tournament while Linden’s Federal winners Connection pocketed $100,000 and Ministry of State silverware.
