-after Mahaica Determinators ousted for fielding ineligible player
In what will be a rematch of last year’s finale, holders Grove Hi-Tech will oppose Ann’s Grove in the finale of the 2nd Annual Stag Beer Super 16 Knockout Championship today at the Golden-Grove Community ground from 21:00hrs.
Despite being defeated 4-3 on penalty kicks in the semi-final round by Mahaica Determinators, Ann’s Grove advanced to the finale after an investigation found that the former fielded an ineligible player.
According to an official release from the tourney coordinator Franklin Wilson, “Subsequent to the match, Ann’s Grove lodged a protest pointing out that Eion Abel was not a registered player with the Mahaica club”.
It continued “Investigations by the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) revealed that Mr. Abel is indeed a player still on the roster of Monedderlust Football Club. The Guyana Football Federation subsequently confirmed that the information about Abel being a member of Monedderlust was accurate”.
The document further said “The competition rules, clause 7, clearly states that no guest players would be allowed. The Guyana Football Federation had also informed its affiliates via letter that no guest players would be allowed in any of the year-end tournaments”.
Due to the ruling, Mahaica will now compete in the third place playoff. Meanwhile, Grove Hi-Tech sealed their berth to the final after downing Victoria Kings 3-1 in the semi-final round.
Although the holders have been inconsistent in their bid to retain the title, they will start the matchup as the favourite owing to their experience at this level.
From the attacking stand-point, Grove Hi-Tech has scored a tourney leading seven times, with Lloyd Matthews, Akeem James, Orson Francois, Denzil Crawford, Romel Matthews and Dexter Archer scoring once alongside an own goal.
Unlike their attacking numbers, the titlists have struggled on the defensive end with three goals conceded in as many matches.
Ann’s Grove will fancy their chances despite their initial semi-final defeat due to their all-round statistics. Offensively, Ann’s Grove has the second best offence at their disposal with six goals recorded in three games.
Shafeer Sanichara is the leading scorer with two goals while the likes of Andrew Murray, Kevon Barry, Anil Hernandes and Jamin Rodgers found the back of the net once. Defensively, they have been equally impressive with only one goal conceded to date.
In the third place playoff, Victoria Kings will oppose the demoted Mahaica Determinators from 19:00hrs.
Prior to their sanctioning, the plucky Mahaica unit had exceeded expectations following hard-fought wins highlighted by a dogged defensive mindset. To date, the East Coast of Demerara unit possess the best record with zero goals conceded.
On the attacking side, the Mahaica unit have recorded four goals. Quincy Holder is their leading marksman.
Victoria Kings on the other hand, will feel hard-done by their semi-final loss and will be eager to end the event on a high note. Prior to their semi-final exit, the Kings possessed the joint best defensive record but have now conceded three times.
Offensively, Victoria Kings have netted three times, with their main threat coming in the form of their only goal-scorer Alden Lawrence.
Winner of the tourney will pocket $1,500,000 and the championship trophy while the second, third and fourth place units will receive $500,000, $300,000 and $200,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.
