LED by the tournament’s MVP Domini Garnett who netted a double, Grove Hi Tech maintained their superiority and supremacy as the top club on the East Bank of Demerara when they defeated Kuru Kururu Warriors 3-1 to win the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport-sponsored knockout tournament.

Organised by the East Bank Football Association (EBFA), the tournament involved all the major clubs on the East Bank corridor and ended in grand style last Sunday.
GFF president Christopher Matthias was on hand to witness the encounter on a sunny afternoon. Grove wasted little time in taking control of proceedings. Garnett, who controlled the strike line created all sorts of problems for the Warriors’ defence.
It was no surprise when the home team assumed the lead six minutes on, midfielder Orson Francois scoring the easiest of goals following a one-hand attempt by the Warriors goalie, Nijaun Hooke to clear a cross from the right side by Garnett.
Hooke only succeeded in parrying the ball into the path of Francois who gleefully accepted by patting the ball into the back of the nets.
Warriors did make a few enterprising raids of their own but found the going tough in the attacking third. Captain Garnett ensured the advantage was doubled in the 15th minute when he tucked in the first of his brace.
Colin Lewis narrowed the lead when he rose above the Grove defence to net the Warriors first and only goal, a well-timed and executed header in the 35th minute.
The first half ended with Grove enjoying a 2-1 advantage. The Linden Soesdyke Highway-based side tried their best to get their second goal which would have brought them level with Grove but that was not to be, as Grove, urged on by the vociferous home fans, kept them at bay.
The game was virtually sealed in the 68th minute when Garnett converted his second goal; the game ended 3-1 in favour of Grove Hi Tech. Michael Matthews of the winning side was voted the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Sunday’s supporting game, an exhibition match, saw Diamond FC defeat Timehri Falcons by the lone goal of the match which was scored by Eric Williams.
GFF president Christopher Matthias in brief remarks before the presentation congratulated the teams for their performance while noting that the federation’s forward thrust focuses on youths.
He also complimented the ministry and the EBFA for their combined efforts in bringing off the competition.
Teams on the East Bank will now turn their attention towards preparing for the upcoming EBFA division-one league which will officially kick off the association’s 2014 season. The league is being sponsored by Ansa McAl and will be officially launched this month.