Grove Hi-Tech football team successfully defended their Stag Beer Super 16 knockout championship title downing Ann’s Grove 6-5 on sudden death penalty kicks Friday at the Golden Grove Community Centre ground after normal time ended 0-0.
In a rematch of last year’s inaugural final which ended 5-0, the East Bank of Demerara unit once again overcame the East Coast of Demerara outfit after the latter was awarded a final’s berth following Mahaica Determinators fielding an ineligible player in the semi-final round.
With a winner unable to be found after normal and extra time, penalty kicks were required to decide the outcome. With the score 4-4, sudden death penalty kicks were needed to produce a winner.
Ann’s Grove’s Marlon Adams was denied from the mark in the third round of penalty kicks while Orson Francois of Grove Hi-Tech also missed the target in the third round. The opening round of sudden death kicks resulted in a 5-5 score with both teams netting.
The challengers then failed from the distance at the start of the second sudden death round in the form of Antonio Jackson. The holders quickly capitalized on their opponent’s failure as Devon Joseph scored to seal the contest.
With the win, Grove Hi-Tech retained the championship trophy and will pocket $1,500,000 with the losers receiving $500,000 and the runner’s-up trophy.
In the third place playoff, Victoria Kings defeated Mahaica Determinators 4-3 on penalty kicks after normal time ended 1-1. Alden Lawrence gave Victoria Kings the early lead in the 26th minute while Mahaica Determinators equalised in the 90th minute through Kurt Roberts.
Victoria Kings earned $300,000 and the third place accolade while Mahaica won $200,000 and the corresponding trophy. The presentation of prizes is expected to take place shortly.
