Despite the occasion it was a sombre Alpha United team that turned up Friday evening at the Banks DIH Limited Sports Club at Thirst Park to receive the awards the team won in the inaugural Banks Beer Cup knockout football competition which ended on January 1.
Alpha “the Hammer” United, Banks DIH Football Club , Marco Marcus and Devon Forde were among the recipients of awards when local beverage giant Banks DIH honoured the top performers of two recent tournaments, sponsored by the company at the presentation ceremony.
Billed as the presentation ceremony for the Banks Beer knockout Cup and the East Bank Demerara First Division league, the football fraternity also paid tribute to Shawn “Fatso” Bishop, a former national midfielder and Alpha United member who passed away Friday.
Alpha United, the nation’s top club added the Banks Beer knockout Cup to their bulging collection and a cash prize of $3 million following their 1-0 victory over Fruta Conquerors in the final on New Year’s Day.
Alpha United’s captain Howard Lowe was presented with the trophy and cheque by George McDonald, Banks DIH Assistant Managing Director/Marketing Director and Georgetown Football Association (GFA) President Vernon Burnett.
Fruta Conquerors lifted the runner-up trophy and $1.5 million with Beacons FC carting off $500,000 for third place while Sunburst Camptown took home $250,000.
Marco Marcus of Conquerors was voted the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), with Andrew Murray Jr. of Alpha being declared the highest goal scorer with five goals.
Colin Edwards of Conquerors was adjudged the best goalkeeper.
There was a special prize for the best referee with Milton Fraser taking that honour.
Banks FC took home the top prize in the East Bank Demerara competition following their 4-1 win over Grove Hi–Tech. Both team secured trophies and cash incentives.
Devon Ford of Banks was voted MVP and highest goal scorer with Rodwell Alleyne of Grove taking the best goalkeeper prize and Mocha Champs the Fair Play Trophy.
Banks DIH Sales and Marketing Executive Carlton Joao said that his company has had a long association with football and he praised the work of officials of the Georgetown and East Bank associations.
“We were overwhelmed by the response of fans to our Banks Beer tournament and we have been approached to stage another tournament,” he added.
According to Joao, Banks DIH is teaming up with the GFA in two other competitions namely the Coca Cola Under-13 and President’s Beer Cup.
East Bank Football President Wayne Francois and Georgetown football head Burnett thanked Banks DIH for sponsoring the competitions.
Officials of the GFA also presented certificates to several individuals and businesses who contributed to the successful staging of the Banks Beer Cup.
