Paradise, lost!

—Melanie `B’ in seventh heaven after second Guinness `Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast Zone triumph in a tale of missed opportunities

Melanie `B’ Captain Ryan Seales receives the championship trophy from Banks DIH Limited representative Evlon Hendy in the presence of his team-mates following their victory over Paradise `A’ in the final of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast Demerara Championship. Also in the photo is Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste [right]
Melanie `B’ Captain Ryan Seales receives the championship trophy from Banks DIH Limited representative Evlon Hendy in the presence of his team-mates following their victory over Paradise `A’ in the final of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast Demerara Championship. Also in the photo is Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste [right]

A historic night brought the curtain down on the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast Demerara Championships as Melanie `B’ defeated Paradise `A’ 2-1 in a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out to lift the coveted title for the second time on Monday.

The crowning of the new champion was witnessed by the largest crowd ever to descend on the Haslington Market Tarmac and Melanie `B’ became the first team to win the zonal tournament twice, following their 2017 exploits.

However, the ending could have been much different for Melanie `B’ who were making their third appearance [2015 runners-up] in the championship match.

Quincy Adams [right] of Paradise-A trying to dribble Odell Gulliver of Melanie `B’ during the final of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast Demerara Championship at the Haslington Market Tarmac.

Paradise `A’, beaten finalist in the 2018 edition, was gifted the perfect opportunity to secure the title following a scoreless regulation time interval which was highlighted by a defensive approach from both sides.

Opting to start the shoot-out, Melanie `B’ got off to the worst possible start as both penalty takers missed from the distance. The aforesaid episode seemed destined to be capitalized by Paradise `A’.

However, the experienced outfit led by Quincy Adams cracked under the pressure as both penalty takers also failed from the mark, stunning their large support base.

The third round of penalties produced an identical result as both teams once again failed from the distance.

Melanie `B’ then took the lead as they converted to start the fourth round.

Needing to score to keep their hopes alive, Paradis `A’ converted, much to the celebrations of the fans. Melanie `B’ then took a 2-1 lead to start the fifth round, shifting the pressure back on Paradise `A’.

With the crowd barking contrasting messages and the decibel level increasing with every second, Paradise `A’ would seal their own fate as they missed once again from the mark.

Melanie `B’ walked away with $400,000 and the championship trophy while Paradise

Paradise `A’s Quincy Adams shields the ball from a Melanie `B’ player at the Haslington Market Tarmac during the final of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast Demerara Championships on Monday.

`A’ pocketed $150,000 and the respective title.

In the third place playoff, Victoria Church Yard upset Liliendaal Hustlers 2-1 on sudden death penalty kicks, after a scoreless regulation time ending.

 Victoria won  $100,000 and the respective trophy, with Liliendaal Hustlers earning $75,000 and the corresponding accolade.

In the earlier semi-final round, Melanie `B’ dismantled Victoria Church Yard 4-0. Odell Gulliver fashioned a double in the ninth and 15th minute, with Ryan Seales recording a ‘Guinness Goal’ (a goal scored in the final three minutes counts as two) [GG] in the 28th minute.

In the other semi-final, Paradise `A’ edged Liliendaal Hustlers 2-1 on sudden death penalty kicks after a 1-1 regulation time ending. Teon Stewart handed Paradise `A’ the lead in the seventh minute, only for Stephon Reynolds to equalise in the 25th minute.

Meanwhile, Belfield Warriors successfully retained their Guinness Plate Championship, defeating Haslington Hypers 1-0. For the win, Belfield walked away with $60,000 and a trophy.

In the earlier Plate semi-final round, Belfield Warriors defeated Buxton Diamond via walkover, while Haslington edged dethroned champion Uprising 1-0. Terry Gardener scored in the 22nd minute.