Riversview lift Bartica Easter Regatta “Bounce Back” football title

… Potaro Strikers clobber way to 3rd place against AX Galaxy

A commanding display of solid football in offence and defence guided Riversview to first place in the Bartica Easter Regatta “Bounce Back” football competition, which was organised by the Bartica Football Association (BFA) in conjunction with the Easter Regatta Committee.

Four days of football, which attracted seven teams, ended on Easter Saturday night at the Bartica Community Centre Ground and were witnessed by a very large crowd. Riversview were the only team that played unbeaten as they dispatched Lazio 2-0 in the championship match to walk away with the top prize of $360,000.
It was a bruising affair, fit for a final as neither of the teams was able to wrest the early initiative by imposing themselves on the other.
The Riversview fans were very animated and tried their best to motivate their fellow villagers at varying points of the encounter, which was witnessed by Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams, Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall and BFA President Alden Marslow among other dignitaries.
But as the match matured, the patience of the fans was tested and they started calling for a goal. They were finally rewarded with 11 minutes to the final whistle. The Riversview lads were jumping for joy when Antonio Jones finally broke the deadlock with a well-taken shot that evaded the Lazio defence and goalkeeper.
The Riversview fans were equally ecstatic and their voices were heard resonating over the rivers to their family and friends who were left at home.
One goal was never going to make fans and players comfortable so Riversview doubled the advantage so that their minds could have been more relaxed as the match neared conclusion. With four minutes to full time, Omario Lake banged in the sealer to once again send the fans into a frenzy.
Immediately after the final whistle, the celebrations went into overdrive as players, friends, family, and fans celebrated a well-deserved win. The champions also walked away with the two individual prizes with the MVP trophy awarded to Kellon Richardson and Dariq James taking the Best Goalkeeper accolade.
The preceding third-place match-up saw a blowout win for Potaro Strikers against upstarts LA Galaxy, 9-2 with a brace each from Troy Parris (5th, 15th)[ Jermaine Padmore (9th, 11th), and Daniel Gardener. There was one each for Lorenzo Cummings (65th), Arlington Williams (77th), and Antoine Allen in the 80th minute.
AX Galaxy’s goals were scored by Voldener Da Fonsia in the seventh minute and Ryan Andrews in the 48th minute.
The presentation of prizes took place immediately following the final, with Lazio receiving $200,000 while Potaro Strikers pocketed $100,000. The other clubs participating in the competition were Beacons, Wolves United and Agatash United. (Franklin Wilson Photos)