Camptown storms into Banks Premium Beer Cup final

Sunburst Camptown stormed into the Banks Premium Beer 16-team knockout football final with an upset 2-0 win over pre-tournament favourites Alpha “the Hammer” United Saturday evening at the Tucville Playfield.

Pele edged out Santos 2-1 in the other semi-final to set up a much anticipated final on Wednesday evening at the same venue.

Camptown who secured a semi-final place after their quarter-finals opponents the Guyana Defence Force were suspended from the tournament scored two second half goals to secure a place in the championship match.

Alpha United, the 2007 Georgetown League champions and Kashif and Shanghai winners found themselves up against a tough Camptown side that held them at bay during the first half and then capitalized on their scoring chances.

The in-form Lance Rolston scored Camptown’s first goal in the 47th minute with a perfect header from a corner kick.

Marvin Joseph scored the second goal in the 68th minute when he found the back of the net with a well-timed shot from a left side cross from Rolston.

The semi-final clash between arch-rivals Pele and Santos was also a crowd pleaser with the Pele side prevailing in the end.

Travis Grant had sent Pele into the lead in the 18th minute with a penalty kick and his team held the 1-0 advantage at half time.

Kester Jacobs equalized for Santos in the 70th minute but Okenny Fraser scored the game’s winner in the 79th minute as they look forward to a much-anticipated showdown with Camptown.

Pele have beaten University of Guyana (UG), Western Tigers beat Santos in their path to the final, while Camptown got the better of Houston Stars, Alpha United. Alpha’s quarter-final game was not played but they were awarded the quarter-final match after the GDF was suspended following an off the field incident.

The tournament, sponsored by local beverage giants Banks DIH under the Premium Beer brand, attracted seven premier teams and nine division one clubs affiliated to the Georgetown Football Association (GFA).

GFA General Secretary Marlan Cole said that several top officials of Banks DIH were expected witness toWednesday’s final.

Camptown and Pele are battling for a first prize of $250,000; the runners-up will secure $125,000. Santos and Alpha United are battling for the third place prize of some $75,000 with the loser receiving $50,000.