Heavyweights Sparta Boss, Sophia, Tiger Bay and Agricola Champion Boys secured places in the group round when the inaugural Xtreme Clean/GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Championship started Friday.
Played at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, Sparta Boss made light work of West Back Road 4-1. Devon Millington recorded a double in the seventh and 17th minute.
He was supported by Eusi Phillips and Gregory Richardson, who scored in the 14th and 19th minute respectively. For West Back Road, Josephus Charles netted in the eighth minute.
IN another encounter, Sophia edged Dave and Celina’s All-Stars 3-2. Dwayne Lowe, Desmond Cottam and Joshua Kamal netted in the seventh, ninth and 17th minute respectively.
For the losing team, Sean Brewley and Kennard Simon netted in the third and 11th minute respectively. Meanwhile, Tiger Bay mauled Showstoppers 5-2 led by an Orin Moore hat-trick in the eighth, 11th and 19th minute.
Chipping in with a double in the fourth and 16th minute was Deon Alfred. East Bank of Demerara giant Agricola Champion Boys then squeaked past East Coast of Demerara unit Beterverwagting (BV-A) 5-4.
Roy Matthews recorded a hat-trick in the sixth, 17th and 18th minute. He was assisted by Domini Garnett, who bagged a brace in the fifth and 17th minute.
For the losing team, Akin Curry scored a double in the 13th and 20th minute, while Reon Hopkinson and Delroy Deen netted in the fourth and 19th minute each.
In other results, Albouystown edged Festival City 1-0 via a Leon Cort fourth minute conversion. Also, Broad Street downed Kitty 2-1 in their Qualifier Matchup.
Darren Benjamin and Jimmy Gravesande netted in the third and 12th minute for the winner, while Simon Emmanuel scored for the loser in the ninth minute.
The event, which features 24 teams competing for over $800,000 in cash and prizes, continues today with six fixtures in the group stage. The other playing dates are June 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th and 17th.
The first two nights will be knockout fixtures with the resulting 12 teams being divided into three groups of four. Upon the conclusion of the group round, the top two finishers in each pool and the best two third place finishers will advance to the quarterfinal round.
Winner of the tournament will pocket $500,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the runners-up will receive $200,000 and the respective accolade.
The third and fourth place finisher will pocket $100,000 and the $50,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade. On the individual side, $50,000 will be awarded to the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Entry to the venue will cost $300 on the first two nights, while each night, patrons will have the chance to win a pennyweight of gold and other cash prizes. The major supporter of the event is Banks DIH Limited under the GT Beer Brand.
