Sparta Boss reclaimed the throne of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ National Champions, defeating two-time East Coast Demerara Champions Melanie-B 1-0 in the grand final Saturday at the Jubilee Park Tarmac.
The clash, which was witnessed by another mammoth crowd, was far from a classic exhibition of skill, as rain, which enveloped the arena, affected the playing surface.
However, the North East La Penitence outfit rose above the natural element to secure an historic fourth National Championship (6th Overall Guinness Championship following two Georgetown titles), solidifying their status as the most decorated team in the event’s existence.
Veteran forward Gregory Richardson was the man of the moment, slamming his effort home in the ninth minute to ensure that the trophy remains in the Garden City for at least another season.
For Melanie-B it was bitter pill to swallow as their aim of becoming the first team from the East Coast Demerara region to clinch the national title was denied.
They joined the likes of Plaisance-A (lost final to Back Circle) and Melanie-A (lost final to Queen Street Tiger Bay), as sides from the East Coast Demerara region that have failed to win the coveted accolade.
Sparta Boss pocketed $500,000 and the winner’s trophy. They also sealed their automatic berth to the 2020 National Championships while Melanie-B walked away with $250,000 and the runners-up accolade. Dethroned champion Gold is Money defeated Brothers United 2-0. Cousins Hubert and Michael Pedro scored in the eighth and 26th minute each.
With the win, Gold is Money walked away with $150,000 and a trophy, while the losing team pocketed $100,000 and the respective accolade.
In the earlier semifinal round, Sparta Boss edged Brothers United 2-0. Ryan Hackett and Richardson scored in the fourth and 25th minute each. For Brothers United, Andrew Murray Jr., scored in the 18th minute Also, Melanie-B upset Gold is Money 2-0. Ryan Seales and Odell Gulliver netted second half goals in the 19th and 26th minute respectively.
The other main sponsor of the entire Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship season was Colours Boutique.
