Triumph and Back Dam were the first two teams to record victories in this year’s Ministry of Sport Inter-Block Football Tournament which kicked off on Sunday at the Beterverwagting (BV) ground.

Playing the first game of the double header, Triumph fought off a stiff challenge from Sideline Dam to win 2-1.

Devon Williams (15 mins) and Yanik Smith (45 mins) were the goal scorers for the victors, while Ronnel Gordon (30 mins ) scored the lone goal for Sideline Dam.

The second game of the night saw Kevin Smith (10 mins and 58 mins) netting a double to propel Back Dam over Housing Scheme 4-0. Delroy Dean (45 mins) and Akim Murray (55 mins) were the other two goal scorers for the day.

The tournament will continue on Friday with the two winners from Sunday facing off while the two losers will battle as well. According to the results from the opening day fans in the BV community are bound to see another exciting day of football.

At stakes are trophies and the bragging rights to be called the best football block in BV. Meanwhile, the event will be held in another East Coast Demerara community – Victoria. The ministry plans to take the sport as far as Lethem and other hinterland areas and, for the first time, the contest will be held in Berbice and Bartica. Twenty-five communities have been targeted and games will be held until November month-end.

On conclusion of the inter-block tournament the ministry will host a grand inter-village tournament.

Plans are also in train to host an inter-block basketball tournament nationwide.