… BK International Western Tigers absent
PRIZEWINNERS of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA)/Banks Beer Division One League yesterday received their prizes at a simple ceremony held in the Boardroom of Banks DIH Limited.

No representative of the winning team, BK International Western Tigers, or the third-placed team Beacons was present, despite a more than a half an hour late start. No reason was given for their absence, although GFA secretary Marlon Cole informed media representatives that letters were sent to all of its affiliates, informing them that yesterday would have been the presentation ceremony.

However, present were members of runners-up Flamingo and fourth-placed team Black Pearl.

In his report on the 2008 tournament, Cole informed that the tournament which started in August 2008 concluded in February this year with a double-header at the Tucville ground that saw Western Tigers defeat Flamingo by a 3-1 margin in the final, while in the third place play off, Beacons defeated Black Pearl 3-0.

He reported that Western Tigers played unbeaten in their nine matches to emerge as winners with 27 points and have since been elevated to the Premier League.

Flamingo have also been promoted to the Premier League.

In the competition 103 goals were scored – 86 in the preliminary stage and 17 in the Super Four round.

In the preliminary stage 28 matches were played while one between Tigers and Flamingo was abandoned.

There were also eight walkover victories in the preliminary round and six matches were played in the Super Four round making it 34 matches in the tournament, including six drawn matches.

Devon Millington of Western Tigers was named the Highest Goal Scorer of the competition with 19 goals to his credit, while his team mates Peter Miggins and Dillon Fraser were adjudged the Best Goalkeeper and the Most Valuable Player, but neither of them was present yesterday.

Houston Stars, by virtue of receiving the least number of yellow cards was voted the Most Disciplined Team.

For their winning efforts, Western Tigers received a cheque worth $150 000 along with a trophy while Flamingo received $75 000 and a trophy. Beacons and Black Pearl won for themselves $50 000 and $25 000 respectively.

Banks DIH’s Sales and Marketing Executive Carlton Joao in brief remarks said his company is committed to the continued sponsorship to the GFA since they are satisfied with the way the Banks Beer Division One tournament was administered.

He said Banks Beer is synonymous with Guyana, like football is something that is Guyanese and a sport that is followed by almost everyone in Guyana.

Joao informed that Banks Beer has just recently won a Gold Medal at the World Trade Fair in Brussels and they (Banks DIH) are very proud of the achievement “just as we’re proud of Western Tigers winning the tournament”.

He informed also that his company will be sponsoring a few tournaments in Bartica and Berbice later this year.

Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters chaired the proceedings and congratulated all the winners.