GROVE underlined their dominance at the Under-17 level on the East Bank when they romped to their second title in as many years – a 4-2 triumph over Soesdyke Falcons in the final of the 2015 tournament which was contested last Sunday at the Grove Playfield, on the East Bank, Demerara.Led by a double from Nickolai Matthews, Grove overcame Soesdyke Falcons for the second time in the competition – first time by a 4-1 margin – to lift the championship trophy, apart from claiming all the individual awards.
Herstelling Raiders took home the third place trophy without breaking a sweat as their opponents Mocha Champs failed to show up for their match.
The confident Grove unit, enjoying home support, never doubted their ability to retain the title as the best team at this level on the East Bank. It took the champions 13 minutes, two more than their first meeting, to break the deadlock.
Nickolai Matthews opened the scoring from the penalty spot to put the champs ahead. Soesdyke, like they did before, kept the Grove boys at bay for the remainder of the first half but were not able to avert the goal flow in the final 45 minutes, despite hitting back twice as they showed some fight.
Four minutes into the second half, Grove captain Denzil Crawford took matters into his own hands to deliver his side’s second goal of the match and his fifth of the competition to double the advantage.
Six minutes later, however, Soesdyke, looking more purposeful in the second half, forced a penalty which was successfully converted by Tyrone Khan to reduce the deficit by one whilst netting his 6th goal of the competition.
Alwyn Haynes scored his fourth goal of the tournament to restore the two-goal advantage for Grove in the 73rd minute and the game was placed beyond the reach of Soesdyke two minutes later when Matthews netted his second of the match and his 5th overall.
Soesdyke kept persevering with the hope of scoring more but were only able to score one more through Tevin Marshall in the 78th minute – his 7th of the competition as Grove won the championship match 4-2.
Apart from taking the first place trophy and gold medals, Grove swept the individual prizes with Kevin Dalton ending as the Highest Goalscorer with 9 goals. He was also named the league’s Most Valuable Player. Usher Jones collected the Best Goalkeeper trophy.
Soesdyke Falcons took home the Fair Play Plaque after being adjudged the Most Disciplined team during the competition.
Marketing and Sales Manager of Continental Agencies Limited, manufacturers of SUNBURST Orange Juice, Mr Avalon Jagnandan was on hand to witness the final and to present prizes to the teams.
In remarks following the final, Mr. Jagnandan complimented all the teams for their dedication, discipline and commitment towards making the competition another success. He also congratulated Grove Hi Tech for retaining the winners’ trophy having also won the tournament in 2014 under the CULT Energy Drink brand.
“We, at Continental Agencies Limited, are pleased to have been associated with this tournament yet again. It is our continued commitment and investment in the development of our young people.
“We have been making similar investments in other sports and as you know, SUNBURST is the Juice of Champions and you are all champions.”
Jagnandan assured that Continental Agencies Limited will continue to invest in the development of the nation’s young people who are the country’s most important assets.