NOT even the inclement weather managed to dampen a night of enthralling action in this year’s Banks DIH sponsored Linden segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition which continued on Saturday evening, at the Amelia’s Ward / Wisroc Bus Park. The feature clash of the night between defending champions T.L.C Russians and Coomacka United lived up to all expectations as the two teams treated the crowd to a thrilling contest from the start.

The Russians, widely regarded as the best exponents of the futsal format in the mining community took the lead in the 9th minute through Carlos Grant.

Despite some excellent exchanges, the scoreline at the break remained the same and everyone who withstood the rain that fell earlier to make their presence felt at the venue, waited with eager anticipation for the resumption of the game.

Once again, both teams did not disappoint, attacking with tenacity, but robust defending put paid to any scoring opportunities and when the final whistle sounded it was the Russians’ one-goal advantage that ensured a semi-final spot for them much to the disappointment of the Coomacka fans.

In the opening encounter, Silver Bullets advanced with a comfortable 2-0 win over Star Boys with Nigel Bennette (5th) minute and Damion Williams (18th), the players on target.

Earlier in the nigh, Silent Assasins edged Retrieve tUnknowns 2-1 thanks to strikes from Romain Haynes, who netted in the 4th minute and Quacy Johnson in the 13th.

Darrel George in the 18th minute managed to pull one back for Retrieve Unknowns, but the Assasins held tenaciously to their slim advantage until the final whistle came.

Half Mile / One Mile star-studed lineup proved too strong for Wisroc as they hammered them 4-0 with Steve Brewley opening their account after just two minutes pf play.

Four minutes later, Trevor Trudor added another, before Keron Cameron’s strike seconds later gave them a comfortable 3-0 ascendancy.

Javon Bibel’s 16th minute goal was enough to secure a semi-final victory for Half Mile / One Mile who must now be a strong favourite to go all the way to the championship game, once they can get past their semifinal opponents tonight.

Tonight’s lineup which takes place at the same venue and will also have four exhibition matches, will see TLC Russians taking on Assassins in one semifinal and in the other, Half Mile/One Mile will face up against Silver Bullets.

The finals will take place at the same venue Wednesday night, where the victorious side will walk away with G$600,000 and a place in the national playoffs which is expected to occur soon.