‘We are here not to play for second or third’

The defending champion and two time winner of the Magnum Cup Bent Street
The defending champion and two time winner of the Magnum Cup Bent Street

With the overall objective of retaining their title in the Magnum Independence Cup, head-coach of defending champions Bent Street Troy Lambert, has affirmed that the team is determined to defeat storied rival Sparta Boss in the semi-final round Saturday.

According to Lambert, the two time winners are focused on securing their third title, adding, “Most obviously we are here to win, we are not participating to play, we are here not to play for second or third, we came to win and try to be consistent throughout the event. We will try to score as much as possible and defend well and get to the finale. We are focused on winning the tournament.”

Lambert disclosed that clashes with the North East La Penitence based outfit are relished by his charges, noting that the rivalry brings out the best in the respective camps.

Head-coach Troy Lambert

He explained, “We are never scared of them, there is never a time that when we play them that we are worried. It’s actually a joy to us and it brings out the best in us. It’s a very serious rivalry, it’s a rivalry that we are always prepared for and the fans love and want to see. We are coming to play our game and get the win.”

He added, “It’s like we are playing the final, given the quality of the teams, and the way the teams play. It’s the two most successful teams in this format. It’s often in the draw we meet in the finale, and it’s always a very competitive matchup. Now everyone is coming to see us battle in the semi-final like a finale.”

Winner of the fixture will earn a date with the victor of the Gold is Money, and Back Circle encounter, which is the second semi-final.

Overall, the winner of the tournament will receive $700,000, and the championship accolade, whilst the runner up will pocket $400,000 and the corresponding trophy. The third and fourth place finishers will pocket $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

Meanwhile, the four losing quarter finalists will contest the Magnum Plate Championship. The eventual winner will walk away with $40,000. Melanie will tackle Future Stars at 19:00hrs, while North East La Penitence battles Showstoppers from 19:30hrs.

The other sponsors of the event are MVP Sport, Nigel Hind Financial Services, Andrews Supermarket, Bold Expressions Barbershop, Fireside Grill ‘N’ Chill, Star Party Rentals, and Lucozade.