The National Cultural Center tarmac will provide the battleground, when the round of 16 stage in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Zone commences today.
The business round, as it is being dubbed, is expected to witness several high octane matchups. Among the noteworthy clashes will be the Sparta Boss and Norton Street encounter at 22:30hrs.
The two time defending champion has struggled throughout the event, with many pundits declaring that their reign could possibly end in this edition.
However, the Spartans possess a talented and experienced unit featuring Sheldon Shepherd, Gregory Richardson, Eusi Phillips and Cleon Forester, who simply cannot be written off.
For Norton Street, it is the ideal setting to spring a surprise and secure what would prove to be a monumental result. Much will be expected from Quincy Ashby and Sherwayne Chase come kick off time.
Another of the high profile showdowns is the Leopold Street and Ol Skool Ballers matchup at 21:30hrs.
The contest could easily be the match of the night. For many fans, Leopold Street is the tournament favourite led by their dangerous duo of Omallo Williams and Okanie Fraser, who have piloted their unbeaten run thus far.
However, Ol Skool Ballers are no pushovers and as the lone remaining representative of the Albouystown community, will not go down without a fight. The dangerous Roy Cassou is expected to play a vital role if they are to be successful. Similarly, the Bent Street and North East La Penitence showdown at 22:00hrs has potential to steal the spotlight.
Bent Street has been imperious throughout the campaign led by an all-star cast of Andrew Murray Jr, Solomon Austin, John Waldron and Daniel Wilson.
Their unbeaten run in the group round has placed their name amongst the favourites for the title.
Thus a win against the always formidable North East La Penitence unit, led by the quartet of Calvin Moore, Shaquille Browne, Carl Tudor and Jermin Weeks, will solidify their status as genuine contenders. Another matchup expected to capture the attention of the crowd, is the Trap Squad and California Square clash at 21:00hrs.
Trap Squad is the latest ‘super team’ to take the event by storm. They are primarily responsible for the elimination of traditional giant and East Ruimveldt unit Back Circle, following a 4-1 thrashing in the group round.
This conglomerate features Colin Nelson, Stellon David, Sherman Fraser and Shane Morris. However revenge will be on the mind of California Square.
As the lone remaining team from the East Ruimveldt ward, the unbeaten outfit led by Levi Canterbury, Wesley Greenidge and David George, will aim to avenge the loss of their colleagues come kickoff time.
Also, the Kingston and Future Stars showdown is expected to be a tactical battle from 20:30hrs.
Future Stars are the favourite of the fans and from a talent perspective, one of the most feared teams in the event with a roster comprising of Akeemo Anthony, Jermin Junior, Jamal Cozier, Kevin Cummings and Rafael Edwards.
Kingston will not be overawed by the situation and given their brilliant and unbeaten group campaign, will fancy their chances of eliminating the ‘darlings of the fans’.
Nigel Denny and Sherwin Vincent lead a battled tested unit who are crafty, discipline and prepared, for possibly anything their impending foe can muster.
The other matchups of the night will pit West Front Road against GTI Ballers at 19:00hrs, while Upsetters opposes Queen Street Tiger Bay from 19:30hrs and Rising Stars battle North Ruimveldt at 20:00hrs.
In an effort to improve the event, the losing eight teams will compete for $60,000 in the inaugural Guinness Plate Championship.
Winner of the overall event will walk-away with $500,000 and the championship trophy along with automatic qualification for the National Playoffs.
The runner-up, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $250,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. The event is also sponsored by Colours Boutique.
Complete Round of 16 fixtures
West Front Road vs GTI Ballers-19:00hrs
Upsetters vs Queen Street Tiger Bay-19:30hrs
Rising Stars vs North Ruimveldt-20:00hrs
Kingston vs Future Stars-20:30hrs
California Square vs Trap Squad-21:00hrs
Leopold Street vs Ol Skool Ballers-21:30hrs
Bent Street vs North East La Penitence-22:00hrs
Sparta Boss vs Norton Street-22:30hrs
