Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips on Independence night officially opened the third edition of the One Guyana ‘Kings and Queens of the Sand’ football competition in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden.
Following a colourful march pass of 24 of the 28 contesting teams, eight of which are females, Prime Minister Phillips in his feature remarks reminded the players of his Government’s commitment steadfast assurance to the development of the nation’s athletes, as well as promoting communal interaction through the powerful medium of sport.
The tournament, which has seen wide spread participation of team outside of the Bauxite Mining Town, is being contested at the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP-C) Linden office ground and admission is free.
Teams lined up on the opening night of the tournament
Over six million in cash and other incentives aree at stake with the winner of the Queen segment of the tournament set to collect G$800,000 with second to fourth to be rewarded with G$300,000, G$200,000 and G$100,000 respectively.
The top prize for the Kings segment is a whopping G$1,500,000 with second attracting G$500,000, third G$200,000 and fourth G$100,000. There will also be incentives for the best goalkeeper, highest goal scorer and the most valuable player.
Two matches in the Queens competition heralded the start of this year’s edition with Iconic Strikers setting the tone as they hammered Rockstone 7-0.
Doubles each came off the feet of Janelle Edmonson (5th, 8th), Horicia Adams (5th, 18th), and Shontel Greene (7th, 15th). The other goal was recorded by Shanic Thornhill in the 14th minute.
Eight female teams are competing in the Queens segment of the tournament
The next Queens match-up ended in an exciting draw between Avacado Ballers and Hururu. It was Avacado Ballers which broke the deadlock six minutes into the game when Mananjel Mendoza breached the opponents defence and goalkeeper.
That advantage did not last for long as Uickesha Persaud responded in like manner for Hururu one minute later.
The second of three 8-minute segments in the Queens contest saw Avacado Ballers once again retaking the lead, this time it was a Norkelyn Hernandez goal in the 10th minute, but not before Hururu fired back to even the score in the 15th minute through Shalam Frederick.
Neither team was able to score again as each walked away with a point.
Each of the four matches in the Kings competition ended in victory. Team Mineral was too strong for Swan FC, winning 4-1. Kelroy Anthong (6th), Tino Thomas (18th), Jermaine King (23rd) and Travon Croal (27th) inked their names on the scoresheet for the winners. Swan consolation goal was scored by Mark Loncke in the 8th minute.
Rockston’s Daniel Adolph was the hero of their 3-1 triumph over Hardball Management. Adolph scored all the goals with the lone strike for Hardball Management coming from Marcus Forde.
HH Ballers blanked Avacado Ballers 3-0 on account of goals from Malakai Todd (2nd), and a brace from Shamar Caesar (24th, 26th). The final clash of the night saw Bomberz edging YMCA 2-1.
Both goals for Bomberz were scored by D. Samuels in the 6th and 11th minute. The lone reply for YMCA came from K. Gettino. Action will continue on Friday night at the same venue with two Queens and five Kings matches.
The top two teams from each of the groups in both competitions will advance following round-robin play.
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