Potaro Strikers edge River’s View FC 2–1 to lift Easter Regatta Football title

Potaro Strikers Football Club (FC) edged Rivers View FC 2–1 in extra time to win the Bartica Easter Regatta Football Championship when the final was played on Tuesday night at the Bartica Centre Ground.
Played in front of a capacity crowd, the closely contested encounter required an additional period after both teams were locked at 1–1 at the end of regulation time. River’s View had taken the lead in the 20th minute through Andrew “Papa” Simmons, who gave his side an early advantage heading into the halftime interval. While they controlled most of the proceedings, River’s View were wasteful in front of the goal, and their profligacy would return to haunt them.
Potaro Strikers responded late in the second half, with Aeon Adams finding the equaliser from a corner in the 78th minute to force extra time. The decisive moment came just one minute into the additional period, as Daniel Gardener produced a breakaway finish in the 91st minute to hand Potaro Strikers the title.
Earlier in the evening, Beacon FC secured third place in dominant fashion, dismantling Lazio FC 11–1 in a one-sided playoff fixture.
In the female segment, River’s View Women defeated Potaro Strikers Women 1–0 to take the top honours.

For their victory in the men’s division, Potaro Strikers received the top prize of $510,000, while Rivers View collected $300,000 for their runner-up finish. Beacon FC and Lazio FC received $200,000 and $100,000, respectively. In the women’s category, the winners earned $100,000, with the second-place team receiving $30,000.
On the individual side of things, Potaro Strikers’ custodian Joel Yhap Jr secured Best Goalkeeper, Cecil Jackman took home the MVP accolade and Daniel Gardener was awarded the Highest Goalscorer.
The tournament formed part of the annual Bartica Easter Regatta celebrations and was organised by the Bartica Football Association (BFA) in collaboration with the Bartica Regatta Committee, with sponsorship provided by the Small Miners Association Guyana Inc. Coordination of the competition was overseen by BFA Vice President Sherwin DaSilva.

BFA President Alden Marslowe praised the continued growth and significance of the competition, noting that football has become a key feature of the Easter Regatta. “Football has become a major staple in the annual Bartica Easter Regatta. The community of Bartica and visitors alike look forward to the games,” Marslowe said.
He also commended the support of sponsors and organisers, adding, “This year, we had the partnership of the Small Miners Association, for which we are grateful. The competition was well organised by all involved and well received by the players and the general public. Once again, we have delivered!”
Both finalists had secured their places in the championship match following comfortable semi-final victories. Rivers View defeated Lazio FC 3–1, while Potaro Strikers advanced with a 2–0 win over Beacon FC, with Gardener scoring twice in that encounter to continue his strong run of form heading into the final.