Georgetown Zone Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” final
-Leopold Street finishes third
An impartial and large crown witnessed possibly the end of an era as Gold is Money needled Sparta Boss to become the new champions of the Georgetown Zone of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” on Saturday night, at Demerara Park in the wee hours of Sunday morning.
New champions! Gold is Money dethroned Sparta Boss on Saturday night at Demerara Park
After throwing down the gauntlet in the build up to the final, Gold is Money’s standout player Randolph Wagner turned in a performance worthy of the final.
It was truly a clash for the ages despite the score line as both sides played breath taking football; however the West Ruimveldt outfit managed to peg Sparta back for long periods of the game and it was during one of those periods that Wagner stuck the dagger in.
Wagner fired in the lone goal of the game in the 26th minute to ignite huge celebrations among the throngs of supporters of the team. Gold is Money continued to press for another goal and Sparta tried to counter but Wagner’s strike would be the only goal of the game.
The former champions who have been experiencing one of their leanest periods in the street format saw a lapse in concentration account for the goal after Sheldon Shepherd overcompensated in attack only to expose the goal and Wagner finished a pass from the back with aplomb.
Gold is Money went home with $500,000, the winning trophy and an automatic berth in the national playoffs, while Sparta Boss was compensated with $250,000 and a trophy.
Earlier in the third place playoff, Leopold Street dominated Bent Street with a 3-0 drubbing thanks to a Guinness Goal from Tyrese Forde in the 27th minute, while Orandel Wiliams struck in the ninth minute to give them an early lead.
They pocketed $200,000 and a trophy, while Bent Street collected $100,000 and a trophy for their efforts.
In the Plate Section, North East La Penitence grabbed the $60,000 winner-take-all on offer with a narrow 1-0 win over Kingston.
Kelvin Morre’s 26th minute effort was all it took to secure the win for North East.
Meanwhile, Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste speaking after the conclusion of the night’s proceedings said he was heartened by the support from the fans and communities and promised that the event is here to stay.
The next Zone competition will see the “Greatest of the Streets” head to the West Coast Demerara which is expected to commence in January at the Pouderoyen Market Tarmac.
