Sparta Boss can solidify their claim to being the first dynasty in street football, by winning a fourth consecutive Guinness Championship tonight, following their 2014 and 2015 National Titles, and 2015 Georgetown Zone Title.
The incumbent is seeking to become the first team to successfully retain the Georgetown Zone title when they tackle giant killers Tucville in the final of the 7th edition of ‘the Greatest in the Streets’ at the National Park at 22:00hrs.
The East La Penitence unit will be trying to accomplish what 2011 winner Back Circle failed to do in their 2012 final loss to Leopold Street. Although their path to the final has been a tested one, Sparta Boss is the favourite, owing to the experience and resilience of their talented roster.
This familiarity and toughness was needed to chalk up hard fought wins against Hardina Street, 2008 and 2010 losing finalist Albouystown-A, 2013 champ Queen Street Tigerbay, Camp Street All-Stars, 2015 finalist Channel-9 Warriors and 2011 champ Back Circle.
Attack proficiency has always been the calling card for the Spartans who have registered seven goals. Courtney Britton, Solomon Austin and Dennis Edwards have each scored twice, with the other goal scorer coming in the form of utility man Sheldon Shepherd.
Also, the return of talisman Devon Millington will increase their chances of successfully retaining their accolade. While they are not heralded for their defensive prowess, the East La Penitence unit led by Shepherd, in conjunction with Eusi Phillips and Cleon Forrester, has only conceded twice.
However, standing in their path is a very capable Tucville unit,that has recorded wins against several former champions in their progression to the final.
First time finalist, Tucville disposed of 2014 champ North Ruimveldt in the group round, along with quarterfinal and semi-final victories, against 2012 winner Leopold Street, and 2010 titlist Broad Street, respectively.
They also secured wins against West Back Road and Island All-Stars, with their only loss coming via the penalty route, against Back Circle in the round-robin stage.
Their slogan, an often clichéd but proven statement, that ‘defence wins championships’ has provided the platform for their success. This is evident, as they have only conceded one goal in the prior five matches, for the best record in the tournament.
Delon Williams, Rafael Edwards, Rishawn Sandiford, Tefon Daly, Dennis Edwards and recent signing Gerald Gittens have provided near impenetrable rearguard.
Although defence has been the catalyst for their success, the offensive numbers have improved throughout the tournament, especially in the elimination rounds.
Of the four goals recorded thus far, three were netted in the previous two rounds, which highlights the real threat Tucville pose on the counterattack, through the likes of Leon Richardson, the top scorer with two goals, and Kareem Knights.
Meanwhile in the third place playoff at 21:00hrs, Broad Street will lock horns with Back Circle in what promises to be a free-flowing affair.
