The crowning of a new champion transpired on Saturday evening in front of an enormous crowd at the Haslington tarmac as Liliendaal Hustlers won their maiden Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast Demerara championship, defeating former winners Beterverwagting (BV `A’) on penalty kicks.
The title was secured via a 1-0 scoreline after regulation time ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
BV`A’ effectively handed the title to Hustlers after they failed to convert both of their attempts during the penalty shoot-out. Though they missed the first attempt, Hustlers would not disappoint their sizeable fandom with Anthony Sancho slotting home down the centre of the goal, ending any hope for BV `A’.
Before the dramatic end, Sancho had also netted in the eighth minute to hand Hustlers the lead. However, Tyrice Dennis levelled proceedings in the 15th minute, bundling the ball into the back of the net, following an initial strike.
With the win, Hustlers received $250,000 and the championship trophy while BV `A’ walked away with $150,000 and the runner-up trophy. In the third place playoff, Non Pareil squeaked past Vryheid’s Lust 3-2 to pocket $100,000 and a trophy. Vryheid’s Lust collected $70,000 and a trophy for their efforts.
In the earlier semi-final round, Hustlers overcame Non Pareil 2-1. Sunil Logan recorded a ‘Guinness Goal’ (GG) [a goal scored in the final three minutes counts as two] in the 18th minute.
For Non Pareil, Dwayne Lowe found the back of the net in the seventh minute. BV `A’ made light work of Vryheid’s Lust winning by a 4-0 score. Akin Curry tallied a (GG) in the 18th minute, while Deshane Garnett and Tyrice Dennis added conversions in the third and ninth minute respectively.
Meanwhile, Uprising defeated Team Cruel 2-1 in the Plate final to walk away with $60,000. In the earlier semi-final section, Uprising squeaked past Buxton Diamond 1-0, while Team Cruel mauled Portmore 4-0.
