Following the success of the initial West Demerara edition, Banks DIH Limited jointly launched the inaugural Berbice and fourth annual Linden Guinness of the Streets tournaments yesterday at the entity’s boardroom.
The Berbice edition which is slated to commence today at the New Amsterdam Ferry Tarmac, will feature 16 teams from the East and West Coast regions of the Ancient County competing over three days from April 17th-19th.
The competing teams are We Them Boys, Rosignol, Canje, Corriverton, Unruly Gang, East Bank Gunners, Fiesta Boys, Courtland Black Sharks, New Amsterdam (NA) Kings, Manchester Boys, Big Ballers, Courtland Stars, Lochaber Boys, Spartans, Five Yard and Up-Top-Ballers.
On the other hand, the Linden edition which will run from April 22nd-May 5th, will feature 32 teams competing in a knockout format. The two venues for the event are the Mackenzie Car Park and the Silver City Hard-Court.
Winners of either event will receive $300,000 and the championship trophy while the second place side will collect $150,000 and the runners-up accolade. The third and fourth place finishers will collect $100,000 and $75,000 respectively.
Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste during brief remarks said Banks DIH continues to support community development initiatives, noting that it’s the best time to launch the event in the Ancient County because Berbice is currently in its prime.
He noted that the Linden edition for the past three years has played its role in the development of the region. He urged the teams to maintain their discipline through the events.
Berbice Tournament Coordinator Phillip Carrington during brief remarks said that the region is very happy to be able to participate in this grand event, declaring they will do everything in their power to make it a memorable and special tourney.
Coordinator of the Linden edition, Keiron Sealey said the event is always recognised as an esteemed national championship, declaring that it brings a competitive drive amongst the players and the competing communities.
He further said it also brings economic stability to the region while noting that he expects it to be a competitive tourney amongst the various communities of the Mining Town. In the opening matchup for the Berbice edition, We Them Boys will oppose Canje from 18:00hrs while NA Kings will oppose Lochaber Boys from 18:30hrs.
The third matchup will pit East Bank Gunners against Fiesta Boys from 19:00hrs while Courtland Stars and Up-Top Ballers will battle from 19:30hrs.
At 20:00hrs, Rosignol will oppose Corriverton while Manchester Boys will tackle Big Ballers from 20:30hrs. The final two matchups will pit Unruly Gang against Courtland Black Sharks from 21:00hrs and Spartans against Five Yard from 21:30hrs.
