Melanie `B’ were crowned the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast of Demerara champions after edging Plaisance `B’ 1-0 at the Haslington Market Tarmac on Sunday.
Losing finalist of the 2015 edition due to a humbling 4-1 loss, Melanie `B’ ascended to the throne in front of an enormous crowd compliments of a moment of brilliance from Amoniki Rogers in the 12th minute.
Although the contest lacked the quality of previous finales, the lanky Rogers provided a moment of individual quality to settle the contest, receiving the ball on right side of the playing area, before placing a right foot strike unchallenged into the lower left corner.
History was created with the win as Melanie-B became the second team from the village to win the title. Melanie-A won the 2014 championship. They also became the second community to produce two different champions after BV-A and BV-B won the 2015 and 2016 editions correspondingly.
For their accomplishment, Melanie-B received the first place package of $400,000 and the championship trophy. They also earned the right to represent the zone at the National Championship in July that will feature teams from each leg.
On the other hand, the runners-up collected $150,000 and the corresponding trophy. Meanwhile, Buxton Diamond defeated dethroned champion Beterverwagting (BV-B) to clinch the third position. Kevon Assaye scored in the third minute.
Due to the result, Buxton Diamond walked away with $100,000 and the corresponding trophy, while the loser pocketed $75,000 and the respective accolade.
In the earlier semi-final round, Melanie-B edged BV-B 2-0 on penalty kicks, after regulation and extra time ended scoreless. Also, Plaisance-B squeaked past Buxton Diamond 1-0, with Vincent Thomas scoring in the 34th minute.
To date, the Georgetown, West Demerara/East Bank Demerara and Berbice Zones have been completed. The Linden and Bartica zones are expected to be staged following the end of the current leg.
