BEACH Soccer made a welcome return to Linden on Caricom Day (last Monday), when the Upper Demerara Football Association, in conjunction with the Guyana Football Federation and Garth Nelson of the USA, hosted an exciting day of Beach Soccer at the Bayrock Ground, Wismar, Linden.

Seven teams contested the six games that were played for a period of three thirds and each third lasted eight minutes.

In Game one Milerock defeated Net Rockers by a 3-2 margin. Scoring for Milerock were Owen Williams (9th) Trevor Tudor (16th) and Jermaine Grandison (19th). Scoring for Net Rockers were Colin Beckles (5th) and Nashwayne Hazel (18th).

Game two saw Silver Shattas trouncing Vasco by four goals to one. Scoring for Shattas were Devon Perreira (6th), Marlon Benjamin (13th, 17th) and Nigel Price (24th). Michael Williams scored the loan goal for Vasco in the 23rd minute.

In game three, Winners Connections thrashed Eagles United by 4-1.

Rawle Gittens scored in the 15th, 16th and 19th minutes and Ryan Crandon in the 6th minute for Winners Connection. Delon McAllister scored Eagles’ lone goal in the 12th minute.

In the first of two semi-finals All Stars edged out Milerock by a 5-4 margin after they were tied 4-4 at the end of regulation time. Two minutes into extra time, the winners secured the winning goal.

Scoring for All Stars were Tony Adams (5th, 14th), Randy Britany (7th), Stanford Bovell (15th) and Roderick Richards (26th). Milerock earned their goals from Owen Williams (11th, 17th) and Steve Breweley (12th, 23rd).

In the other semi-final, Silver Shattas shattered Winners Connection by an 8-5 margin. Shattas’ goals were scored by Nigel Price (8th, 14th, 21st, 23rd), Marlon Benjamin (9th, 11th, 15th) and Jessie Waldron (13th) while Winners’ goals were scored by Marvis Fraser (9th, 10th), Rawle Gittens (13th, 24th) and Ryan Crandon 19th).

In the final, Shattas edged All Stars 4-3.
Marlon Benjamin scored in the 7th and 20th minutes and Nigel Price in the 14th and 16th for Shattas, while All Stars goals were scored by Tony Adams (9th), Randy Bastiani (12th) and Roderick Richards (24th).

The Championship Trophy was donated by 20/20 Sports Bar. The Best Goalkeeper was Jason Cobena of Silver Shattas and the Trophy was donated by Richard Cheap Corner. Two players tied for most goalscorer – Nigel Price and Marlon Benjamin of Silver Shattas scored eight goals each. The trophy was donated by Ashwin Chester Incorporated.

Stanford Bovell of All Stars received a trophy donated by Major (Shanghai) Sports Bar for the Best Goal. The player of the final was Nigel Price of Silver Shattas and his trophy was donated by Ron Wilson of Blackie Barber Shop.

The Player-of-the-Tournament was Marlon Benjamin and he received a Trophy donated by Jevon and Dennis Massive Stores, Hotel and Rental.

President of the Upper Demerara Football Association, Bryan Joseph, thanked all those who witnessed the competition, especially the players, the GFF, the Referees, Garth Nelson of the US and Lawrence Griffith of the GFF.

Addressing to a sizeable crowd he said this turnout was testimony to the fact that the public was starved for entertainment and the players performed well to satisfy their appetite.

He noted that Beach Soccer was on its way and he reminded those present that Linden is known for its many firsts, highlighting Mashramani as the most notable of these events.

He also mentioned that very soon Splashmin’s will be hosting a National competition.

Meanwhile, another competition is scheduled next month at the same venue.