DEFENDING Championships Back Circle moved one step closer to retaining their title after defeating East Front Road 13-12 on penalty, to advance to the semi-finals of the 2012 Guinness Greatest of the Streets tournament which continued last Sunday.

Playing in the penultimate game of the evening in front of a packed National Cultural Centre Tarmac, Dexter McKenzie’s 8th minute goal sent the losers ahead – a lead they enjoyed for a short while, since Wayne Wilson equalised three minutes later for the defending champions.
After several near-goal experiences and chances by both teams, the scores remained level at a goal each through regulation and extra time, sending the game to penalty shootout to decide the winners.
It took a series of kicks from the regular penalty spot, forcing the organiser to shift the charity spot to the halfway mark on the playing area and eventually Back Circle prevailed 13 goals to 12. It was by far one the most entertaining games of the evening.
West Front Road also advanced following 3-1 victory over Queen Street Tiger Bay, with Michael Pedro (6), Hubert Pedro (8) and Randolph Wagner (14) leading the charges for the victors. Leon Fredericks was the lone goalscorer for the Tiger Bay team.
Broad Street B moved through to the next round with a comfortable 2-0 win over Sophia B, led by goals from Jimmy Gravesande in the 9th minute and Daniel Favorite.
Leopold Street edged Hope Street Tiger Bay 3–1 on penalty after the two were scoreless at the end of play and Timothy Telford’s lone strike in the 5th minute was all it took to send Guinness Bar packing and Clippers Barber Shop through to the next round.
Upper Level Barber Shop sank Banks DIH 2-1, GT Masters exposed YMCA by the same goal difference while Oasis got rid of Quick Set Car Wash 2–0, to all advance to the semi-finals; set for the National Cultural Centre Tarmac at a date to be named.
The winners of the 5-a-side ‘Guinness Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Tournament is set to receive $600 000, runners-up $300 000, third-placers $150 000 and fourth-placers $75 000, while group stage winners will divide $720 000.