East Demerara Reunion F/ball tourney kicks off today
THE much-talked-about East Demerara Reunion Football tournament kicks off today at the Victoria Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara, with a double-header beginning at 18:00 h.

In the first game of the double-header card Ann’s Grove and Golden Stars will meet in a match that should resemble a grudge match, as over the years the two sides have had some really tough battles, with Golden Grove winning the last two meetings.

Golden Grove will be led by players Randy King, Kwesi Halley, and Joel Wilson. Owen Adonis will do duties in the goal. The defence will be marshalled by Jermaine Spencer.

Ann’s Grove, on the other hand, will rely on the skilful Richie Barry, and Carlos Wilson. Helton Pellew will do duties in the upright.

In the feature game from 20:00 h former Kashif and Shanghai, Mayor’s Cup and East Coast champions, Victoria Kings, will match skills with GFC.

This match should also be exciting as the Kings have a lot to prove after finishing second spot to Buxton United in last year’s East Coast Premier League, and have played unbeaten in the last nine games.

GFC, on the other hand, will have other ideas, but should be wary of the Kings’ forwards Orin Elias and Rolson ‘Crespo’ Morrison.

The Kings will be controlled from behind by Shawn Samuels and he will get support from Samuel Blackette, Mortimer Murphy and Clayton Wilson. Captain Andrew Holder will control the midfield with support from Kwesi De Souza, Aubrey Gibson and Donald Lutchman, with Andrew Williams performing duties in the goal.

GFC are known over the years for surprising top opponents, and should not be taken lightly since they finished fifth in last year’s Georgetown Premier League. Peter Parks and Anthony Wilson will lead GFC’s lineup.

The tournament continues tomorrow at the Plaisance Community Centre and not at BV ground as was previously mentioned, because of poor playing area conditions.

Bakewell Buxton Stars will tackle Western Tigers in another keenly contested battle.

Trevor Garnett will lead the Bakewell boys and will be supported by Pierre Joseph, Rashlie Morrison, Reuben Morris, and Sherwin Griffith.

The defence will be controlled by Keon Adams and Kevin Assannah.

The Tigers will be led by the dangerous Devon Millington, Kevin Gordon, Sherman David, Dewayne Daniels and Maxwell Pellew.

The tournament is being organised by the Victoria Kings Football Club in collaboration with Team USA, Pretty Love Family and Cool Crew Promotions.

A number of officials from the East Demerara Football Association as well as from the Georgetown Football Association are expected to be a part of the opening ceremony.

Director of Sport, Neil Kumar, and Parliamentary Secretary Steve Ninvalle will also attend and will meet the participating teams.

The tournament which is dubbed `Million Dollar Baby’ will also see some of the best football sides in the City and East Demerara battle for honours.

The other participating teams are; Alpha United, Pele, Sunburst Campton, GDF, Beacons, Fruta Conquerors, Buxton United, BV/Triumph United, Plaisance and Mahaica Determinators.