One day after the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) lifted the Men’s Super-16 trophy, the women from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) championed their version of the tournament, after downing the GT Panthers 4-2 in a tight contest.
Dennecia Prince (blue) netted a hat-trick in the final for Police
The Women of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) did one better than their male counterparts (who finished fourth in the male tournament), as they went all the way to lift the first-ever Women’s Super-16 trophy on Sunday night.
Lakeisha Pearson (blue) fends off a challenge during the final (Jemima Holmes Photos)
Also competing at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, Police found themselves trailing behind their opponents at the earliest juncture, following a blistering goal from GT Panthers captain Annalisa Vincent in the 6th.
It was not too long after that Dennecia Prince put the female officers in the lead, with a brace in the 15th and 19th. As if they were going tit for tat, Feona Benjamin evened up the scores for GT Panthers with a 21st minute goal.
Thereafter, it looked as though Panthers’ fire had burnt out, as their shot choices and finishing became inconsistent. This factor allowed Police to hold on to the levelled score, until the second half where they made a move.
Resuming the second stanza on a 2-2 score, Police got ahead early after Prince completed her hat-trick in the 47th. GT Panthers had a few close calls but were unable to level the scores again, owing to the superb work from eventual best goalkeeper of the tournament Nieola Chester, who went above and beyond to keep GT Panthers’ side of the scorecard stagnant.
Meanwhile, as GT Panthers’ goalie took a tumble, a long shot from Tiandi Smith put the cherry on top for Police in the 87th with their fourth goal to seal the victory.
In the third-place playoff, Fruta Conquerors Women overcame the Female Soldiers convincingly. Sandra Johnson got the scoring going for Fruta in the 13th, but a 26th minute strike from GDF’s Akeelah Vancooten levelled the scores. Vancooten went on to complete her brace in the 38th, to give GDF the lead at the half.
Looking as though GDF would hold on to the 2-1 score line for the victory, it took a spirited comeback from Fruta’s Jalade Trim to put her team in cruise control. The teenager netted back-to-back goals in the 63rd and 66th to lead her team to victory.
In special prizes, Annalisa Vincent walked away with the accolades for highest goal scorer and most valuable player, while Police’s Nieola Chester, Colette Hope and Micalla Prince were the best goalkeeper, defender and forward, respectively. Best midfielder and most improved player went to Fruta’s Jalade Trim and Angel Denny. Meanwhile, Bartica’s Amya Schroeder was the youngest player and Alicia Mentore the oldest in the tournament. (Jemima Holmes)
