The National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue will be the battleground this evening where Sparta Boss will oppose Leopold Street and Rio All-Stars will battle Bent Street for places in the final of the inaugural Dragon Stout Community Cup Street-ball competition.
The final will be staged later in the evening while the losers will face-off in the third and fourth place matchup.
Bent Street and Rio All-Stars will commence the evening’s proceedings at 20:00hrs. The formidable Bent Street outfit will enter the match as the marginal favourite due to their superior experience. This experience was on full display as they overcame a dogged Festival City unit 2-1 in the previous round.
National players such as Daniel Wilson, Pernell Schultz, Clive Nobrega, Akel Clarke, Colin Nelson and William Europe possess the quality to dismantle any opposition and will be confident of securing their second consecutive final’s appearance.
However, standing on the opposite side is a team that is also blessed with quality. This was evident following a 7-1 hammering of a dangerous Avocado Ballers outfit in the quarterfinal section. While a similar margin of victory might not be realized, the likes of Andrew Murray Jr., Jermin Junor, Solomon Austin, Kelsey Benjamin and Job Caesar, national players in their own rights, will have the ambition of securing a positive result and a berth in the coveted final.
Meanwhile, the second semi-final will add another chapter to their long-standing rivalry as Sparta Boss takes aim at Leopold Street at 20:45hrs.
Sparta Boss has undoubtedly been the leading team not only this year but for a number of years and fans will be flocking to the facility to see whether their reign of success will continue.
The quartet of Sheldon Shepherd, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, Eusi Phillips and Devon Charles have been instrumental in their prolonged success, while Ryan Hackett and Nicholas MacArthur forms part of their next generation. The aforementioned quintet were pivotal in the 4-2 win over Future Stars in the quarterfinal section.
However Leopold Street is arguably the most dangerous side in the smaller version at the moment. This label is justified following their 3-2 win over fierce rival Gold is Money in the quarterfinal round. The likes of Omallo Williams, Eon Alleyne, Okanie Fraser and Darren Benjamin will be tasked with going one step further and securing a place in the championship match.
Dragon Stout Brand Manager and tournament coordinator Jamal Baird, in a brief comment said, “We have now arrived at the climax of the competition. The four remaining teams are the best exponents of the smaller format and the fans will be treated to thrilling action and a phenomenal atmosphere as we aim to end 2019 on a positive note. Both semi-final matches are virtual finals, Sparta Boss is the leading team in the smaller format but faces a staunch test of their quality against a resurgent Leopold Street outfit. Similarly, the always consistent Bent Street will also have a fight on their hands against newcomer Rio All-Stars who boast a plethora of talent. I envision a monumental night of action.”
He added, “I want to reiterate to the spectators and players that all structures and protocols have been finalized to ensure another memorable evening. I also want to thank the fans and players for their unwavering support which has transcended into making the tournament a success. I would also like to thank the Guyana Police Force, who have acted professionally and have carried out their duties thoroughly, thus ensuring that a safe environment and incident-free tournament.”
Winner of the tournament will pocket $300,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the runner-up will collect $150,000. Meanwhile, the third and fourth-place finisher will receive $75,000 and $50,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.
