Western Tigers favoured but lawmen could be stern test

A traditional giant will meet a rising force when Western Tigers lock horns with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) today in the final of the Mayor’s Cup Football Championship at the Tucville Community ground from 21:00hrs.

The West Ruimveldt unit has been the toast of the tournament, with dominant displays from the inception. The victims of their assault have been from all parts of the country among them West Demerara unit Den Amstel, Linden side Eagles FC and East Coast of Demerara outfit Ann’s Grove.

Two 7-2 results highlighted their victories over Den Amstel and Eagles respectively while a 4-1 score was realised in their semi-final win over the East Coast of Demerara unit.

Randolph Wagner
Randolph Wagner

Offensively, Western Tigers has scored an impressive 18 goals at an average of six goals per match. Tourney top shot Dwayne McLennon leads the way with six strikes while partner in crime Randolph Wagner has recorded four strikes.

If there’s any chink in the armour of the Tigers, it’s their defensive record. Although their strike force have blown away the opposition, their rearguard has yet to keep a clean sheet, with five goals conceded at a rate of 1.67 conversions per match.

On the other side, the lawmen’s rise has been astonishing as they have bested several notable teams to seal their berth to the finale. Unlike previous foes faced by Western Tigers, the officers are expected to be a stern test.

Presently, GPF can lay claim to the title of the most balanced team due to superb numbers on either side of the ball following comprehensive wins over Camptown, Santos and Federal Winners Connection.

In their three matches, the offensive line has fired in nine goals at a rate of three conversions per match. This is evident by 3-0 wins over Georgetown sides Santos and Camptown and a 3-1 semi-final victory against the Linden unit Winners Connection.

On the defensive end, the lawmen have been imperious, with only one concession to date in their campaign.

Meanwhile, in the traditional third place playoff at 19:00hrs, Federal Winners Connection will match skills with Ann’s Grove.

Winner of the event will receive $700,000 and the championship trophy compliments of Aruwai resort while the runners-up will pocket the package of $300,000 and Ansa McAl trophy.

The third placed finisher will receive $200,000 and the corresponding John Fernandes titled trophy while the fourth placed unit will receive the package of $100,000 and the Ministry of State accolade.

Similarly, the victorious side will receive hampers donated by Ricks and Sari. On the individual side, the event’s top scorer will walk away with a three piece suite compliments of AH&L Kissoon Furniture Store.

Prior to the start of the third place fixture, an exhibition 7-aside inter-ward knockout football tourney will commence from 17:00hrs. The event which will be paid for $30,000, will feature the likes of Golden Grove, North East La Penitence, Grove and Kingston.