IT was goals galore on the opening night of the Unique Entertainment/Banks Premium Beer Futsal Classic at the Mackenzie Sports Club as four teams were given marching orders in the knock-out format of the competition.

Hard Knocks sent Sharp Shooters packing 19-0, New Era Russians had the better of Vipers 6-2, Young Ballers came from behind to gain a 4-2 victory over Barsonal, while Retrieve Unknowns needled Canvas City All-Stars on an action-packed first night.
Many heard about the $500 000 first prize but they probably were told that it would take some amount of skills, grit and determination to get it. However, Sharp Shooters learnt the hard way when they came up against a star-studded Hard Knocks in a vicious first game.
Watched by a packed house at the town’s premier sporting facility, John Waldron and Alister Johnson each fired in five goals to see their side Hard Knocks past Sharp Shooters, whom they defeated 19-0.
Sharp Shooters knew they were in for a long night after Randy Small scored a rocket right-foot volley just two seconds into the contest for Hard Knocks who were 10-0 at halftime.
With the large crowd wanting more goals, the target practice and scoring onslaught continued. Colwin David netted four goals, Edwin Benjamin had a double while Trenton Benjamin and an own goal totalled the goals for Hard Knocks, who moved a spot closer to the first prize.
Meanwhile tournament favourites New Era Entertainment Russians also turned in an impressive performance when they took the venom from the Vipers, defeating them, 6-2.
Team captain Travis Watterton’s shots were on point throughout the game while Odel Allicock’s excellent saving between the uprights saw the Russians lead 4-0 at halftime.
But Vipers struck back with consecutive goals until the Dwayne ‘Uncle’ Charles-led defence tightened up and with Dingo Greene and Carlos Grant adding a goal apiece. The total was more than enough to send the New Era Entertainment-sponsored team through to the next round.
Darrell George’s long strike did the trick for Retrieve Unknowns over Canvas City All-Stars in one of the most entertaining games of the night.
After a scoreless first half, fans were kept on their feet as the two sides attacked each other relentlessly but good defending on both sides thwarted any real chances until George was able to slip one through in the closing seconds of the game.
The tournament was officially declared open by Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon who charged the players to be good ambassadors of the tournament both on and off the court.
The tournament will be played every Friday and Sunday and is set to culminate on February 17.
The second-place finishers will pocket $300 000 and third-placers $150 000 in the event that was made possible by Banks DIH and their Premium Beer brand.