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.
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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.
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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.