Stag Nation’s Cup resumption…

Grove Hi-Tech, Ann’s Grove  seek quarter-final spots

The Stag Nations Cup football tournament will resume today at the Grove Community Centre ground, East Bank Demerara with a doubleheader from 19:00hrs.

Rescheduled from December 2016 due to constant rainfall, the opening fixture will bring together East Coast of Demerara unit Ann’s Grove against West Demerara’s Den Amstel.

Losing finalist in the previous two editions, Ann’s Grove will hope their talented squad of Ryan Seales, Quincy Barry, Quincy Johnson, Antonia Jackson, Anil Hernandez, Steve Francis, Daniel Francis, Kevon Barry, Daniel Pellew, Andri Francis, Phillip Williams, Levon Adams, Jermaine Clarke, Mervin Hardy, Gerald Sobers, Odel Gulliver, Travis Allen, Maxton Adams, Navado Denny, Oswald Duke, Nickose Denny and Jamain Rogers can set them on the right track in pursuit of a third consecutive final.

For Den Amstel, it will be their second match of the event following their 4-2 win over Kuru-Kururu Warriors in the playoff round.

Much will be expected from the duo of Gavin Graham and Kevaughn Ward who lead a young but talented squad comprising Maurice Charles, Kerwin Ward, Clevon Pryce, Travis Hilliman, Akimbo Henry, Joseph Payne, Wycliff Simon, Derron Wilson, Alista Lynch, Keon Marcus, Ryan Hunte, Prince Payne, Kevin Murray, Colin Benn, Jamal Perreira, Kerry Harvey, Welton Jordon and Anton Jackman.

In the feature contest at 21:00hrs, two-time defending champ Grove Hi-Tech will lock horns with Berbice unit New Amsterdam (NA) United.

It will be the first match in the event for the holders, who are the lone remaining team from the East Bank of Demerara following the elimination of Herstelling Raiders and Kuru-Kururu Warriors.

With home advantage in their corner, Grove Hi-Tech will hope that roster of Teshawn Blackman, Dexter Archer, Seon Thompson, Orson Francois, Sherman Doris, Trevor Jones, Clive Matthews, Kevin Padmore, Akel Forde, Delroy Dodson, Moses Fraser, Shane Singh, Antony Stanton, Nicholai Matthews, Denzil Crawford, Joel Dick, Mervin Squires, Devon Joseph, Akeem James, Alwyn Haynes, Jermaine Benjamin and Ronaldo Romelho can take them one step closer in retaining their title.

Similarly, NA United is the lone remaining representative from Berbice with Mahaicony Thunders, Cougars and Rosignol United already booted from the event. However, unlike their opponents, NA United has already tasted victory following their 4-3 sudden death win over Golden Stars on the opening night of the tournament.

For the Berbicians, much will be expected from siblings Adrian and Leonardo Adams in conjunction with Jason Drakes, Quinn Hazel, Rei Joseph, Delroy Dean, Jamal Butts, Jeremy Samuels, Dexter Allen and Jovano Dos Santos if they are to secure a place in the quarterfinal round.

Winner of the event will pocket $2,000,000 and the championship trophy while the second, third and fourth placed unit will walk-away $1,000,000, $500,000 and $300,000 respectively and a trophy.