Melanie-A were crowned East Coast Demerara champions after defeating Beterverwagting (BV)-B 1-0 in the final of the second annual Guinness of the Streets East Coast edition at the Haslington Market Place on Sunday.
Dwight Peters opened the scoring for Melanie in the second minute of play with powerfully struck right footed first time effort into the back of the net from the centre of the field, after collecting a pass from the right side.
He almost doubled their lead in the eighth minute as his right footed effort from the centre of the field was denied by the outstretched leg of the final defender, after being in a one-on-one situation. Edun Fraser almost found the equaliser three minutes later but his right footed effort from just outside the centre of the area, rolled narrowly wide of the left hand side of the net, after playing a cheeky one-two pass combination with sibling Erin Fraser.
BV-B would come close once again to restoring parity to proceedings in the 15th minute as Threon Petri rifled his right footed effort just wide of the left hand side of the goal, from the centre of the park. The equalising goal would continue to evade the BV-B unit as Keon Lucas lashed his right footed attempt from the right side of the field, marginally wide of the right corner of the net.
With the win, Melanie-B collected the championship trophy and the $300,000 first place prize. They also earned the right to represent the East Coast of Demerara region in the Guinness national tournament.
BV-B for their showing collected the second place accolade and the $150,000 second place prize. In the third place matchup, Melanie-B defeated Victoria Church Yard United by a 1-0 margin. Rondell Assanah netted the winner compliments of a 14th minute effort.
With the win, Melanie-B walked away with the $100,000 third place prize and trophy. Victoria Church Yard for their efforts pocketed $50,000 and the fourth place trophy.
In the earlier exhibition matchup, East Coast Conductors and Drivers defeated East Coast Big Boys by a 4-1 score line.
