AFTER a below-par performance in the Georgetown Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship, Sparta Boss rebounded impressively to end up winners of the National Playoffs which culminated with the grand finale on Saturday night at the Durban Park tarmac.

Facing East Coast outfit Melanie-B in final, Sparta’s talismanic Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson struck after only nine minutes to hand his side a 1-0 lead which they never relinquished despite Melanie’s best efforts at breaching their defence. When the final whistle blew, raucous celebrations began from the Sparta Boss fan base as they savoured a third National title for their team.

Earlier, Sparta got past West Demerara champions, Brothers United 2-1 in the semi-final round; Ryan Hackett had opened the scoring in the fourth minute but the ever-dangerous Andrew Murray Jr. equalised in the 18th minute.

But Sparta were a determined unit with Richardson saving the day with his 25th-minute goal sending his side through to the final.

Melanie-B, en route to the final, had knocked out last year’s National champions, Gold is Money, with a 2-0 win; Ryan Seales and Odel Gulliver scored a goal apiece in the 19th and 26th minutes respectively.

Meanwhile, Gold is Money had some redemption as they beat Brothers United 2-0 in the third place playoff with Captain Hubert Pedro netting in the eighth minute while Michael Pedro sealed the deal in the 26th minute with a goal of his own.

Along with the National Title and trophy, Sparta Boss walked away with a winning purse of $500,000 while Melanie-B settled for $250,000. With their third place finish, Gold is Money pocketed $150,000 while Brothers United received $100,000 for their efforts.