Grove topple Agricola; Kuru Kururu needle Diamond as action resumes

SMARTING from a defeat in the first round of the Stag Beer-sponsored East Bank Demerara division-one league, Grove Hi Tech were in no mood for a repeat loss to old rivals Agricola Red Triangle when league action resumed at the Grove Community Centre ground last Sunday due to the inclement weather..Grove Hi Tech defeated Agricola Red Triangle 2-0 and in the day’s opening clash, Kuru Kururu Warriors needled Diamond United FC.
It was billed as a thriller between two sides who always produce exciting football but this time around the boys from Grove did not allow their rivals to settle in at all.
Captain Domini Garnett took matters into his own hands and started proceedings with the fastest goal of the tournament to date, a 46-second strike that virtually knocked the wind out of the sails of Agricola.
Grove looked the more organised of the two sides with a better tactical plan that they executed efficiently. Agricola kept up with the fast-paced game but lacked the required potency in the final third.
Grove, on the other hand, were well aware of the prowess of their rivals and made good their chances when they were presented. Solid work in the final third by Grove kept Agricola at bay for the entire encounter; Michael Matthews in goal looked solid as ever.
Grove did not allow Agricola to settle into any rhythm and 16 minutes on, the lead was doubled, compliments of a well-taken shot from the left side about 30 metres out from Dexter Archer. Custodian Jeston George could only watch the ball as it made contact with the network owing to the speed of the shot.
Full points were virtually sealed by the home team that early in the encounter. As the game progressed it became a physical battle but Grove kept their nerves to walk away winners, avenging a 2-1 loss to Agricola in the first round of the league in February.
National Under-17 forward Joel Dick had the opportunity to increase the lead to three goals when his side won a penalty in the dying stages but his tame shot was saved by George who also denied the second attempt by Dick.
Dick had pulled one back for his side in their first-round loss but could not repeat that performance yesterday.
This is the second and final round of competition with a first-place prize of $300 000 at stake for the winners along with bragging rights as the best in the association. Second place attracts $200 000 with third and fourth to receive $100 000 and $50 000 respectively.
The opening game Sunday was a tough contest between Linden/Soesdyke Highway-based Kuru Kururu Warriors and Diamond United FC.
It was the Warriors who made good on one of their chances in the second half of proceedings as Samuel Steele stole victory for them with his 58th minute goal.
Teams will be seeking to strengthen as the transfer window is set to come to an end today after being open since June 15.