Sparta Boss sets up dream final against Gold is Money

Omallo Williams (left) of Leopold Street tries to maintain possession of the ball while being challenged by Gregory Richardson of Sparta Boss at the Burnham Basketball Court, in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Championships semi-final yesterday.
Omallo Williams (left) of Leopold Street tries to maintain possession of the ball while being challenged by Gregory Richardson of Sparta Boss at the Burnham Basketball Court, in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Championships semi-final yesterday.

Two-time defending champions Sparta Boss secured a dream final with arch-rival Gold is Money in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown zone, edging Leopold Street 1-0 on penalty kicks yesterday in their rescheduled semi-final fixture.

Locked 0-0 at the end of regulation and extra time at the Burnham Basketball Court, the defending champions overcame the taunts of the large, partisan crowd to secure their third consecutive final’s appearance.

Sheldon Shepherd was the difference on the night as he converted from the mark. For Leopold Street, Okanie Fraser and Omallo Williams failed to convert from the distance.

Eusi Phillips (centre) of Sparta Boss shields the ball from Leopold Street’s Okanie Fraser, during their semi-final clash in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Zone at the Burnham Basketball Court

Sparta Boss will now oppose Gold is Money in the first ever meeting of the teams in the Georgetown Champion-ship on Saturday at the Demerara Park Tarmac, Thirst Park.

According to Rawle Welch, Coordinator of the tournament, “It was a thrilling matchup worthy of a final. Both teams battled hard and the contest could have gone either way but the defending champions prevailed. Kudos to Leopold Street, they were brilliant throughout the tournament and will always be a force to be reckoned with in this version of the game.”

He added, “The finale is going to be a monumental clash between two great teams that have history. They have never met before in the Georgetown tournament so the fans can expect fireworks and a thrilling finale on Saturday at the Demerara Park Tarmac.”

Gold is Money earned their place in the final after edging the much hyped Bent Street in the first semi-final 2-1 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 score at the end of normal and extra time.

Meanwhile, North East La Penitence will oppose Kingston in the final of the Guinness Plate Champion-ship, following semi-final wins over GTI Ballers and Upsetters respectively.

Winner of the overall event will walk-away with $500,000 and the championship trophy along with automatic qualification for the National Playoffs.

The runner-up, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $250,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. The winner of the Guinness Plate Championship will pocket $60,000. The tournament is also sponsored by Colours Boutique.

Complete Results

Semi-final

Sparta Boss-0 vs Leopold Street-0

Sparta Boss won 1-0 on penalty kicks