… 3 teams gain walkover
BEVERAGE manufacturing giant Banks DIH Limited made a successful start in its quest for glory in this year’s Kalden Organisation Inter-Ministry/Corporation seven-a-side football competition, when they defeated Republic Bank 3-1 on the first night of action at the Banks DIH Thirst Park ground last Thursday night. Devon Forde got a brace while Phillip Rowley scored the other for the victors, who should have won by a larger margin, were it not for Rowley’s missed attempts on several occasions, opting to place the ball over the bar when faced with a one-on-one situation with Republic Bank’s custodian but Bruce Daniels found the back of the net in the 9th minute.
Meanwhile, Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC), J&S Electrical and Ministry of Public Works received walkovers from Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Guyana Lottery Company and National Insurance Scheme (NIS)) respectively.
In the feature game of the double-header card Republic Bank, despite a heroic effort from their custodian Colin France, could not hold off the fast-finishing Banks DIH team, even though they tasted first blood, thanks to Daniels.
However, the home boys equalised two minutes after when Forde beat a diving France with a right-foot shot, Rowley sent them ahead four minutes later, after several missed opportunities in the 13th minute while the issue was sealed in the 24th minute when Forde completed his double.
The tournament, which has at stake $250 000 for the victorious team, was kicked off by Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steve Ninvalle.
This was followed by an exhibition match between GNIC and J&S Electrical, which the former won 5-0.
The action is set to continue today at the same venue with more second round action.
In the first game which begins at 13:00hrs, Bank of Guyana will tackle Ministry of Tourism, followed by NIS opposing Guyana Lottery Company, and Media United battling Macorp in the next two encounters.
Neal and Massy take on J&S Electrical, GNIC face Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Foreign Affairs come up against GPC, GT&T play John Fernandes and the Guyana Revenue Authority will seek to restrict the Ministry of Education.
The team winning the tournament will receive $250 000.