ON a night when the tournament was watched by thousands of football-crazed fans at the Pouderoyen Tarmac, West Side Ballers, the known underdogs, did what many said they couldn’t do, that is, to defeat Showstoppers, and doing so in convincing fashion. Captain Anthony Harding saved his best performance in the tournament for last, scoring the game’s opening goal in the 19th minute, while playing a pivotal role in Morgan Denny’s 39th minute strike as West Side Ballers won 2-0 over Pouderoyen Showstoppers to win the $300 000 first prize and to show they are certainly made of more, on Saturday last.

It was the biggest crowd in the tournament which had enjoyed amazing support from the people on the ‘West Side’, but so hyped was last night’s finale, persons even travelled from the capital city to witness the action which turned out to be the event’s biggest upset.
Showstoppers had to settle for $150 000 as they were frustrated by the defensive-minded West Side Ballers.
Being more skilful, tactical and more equipped with firepower Showstoppers tried everything in their power, with their two star players Marvin Josiah and Dexroy Adams being contained for the first time in the tournament.
Meanwhile, in the third-place playoff, Patentia Street Ballers not only walked away as 3-2 sudden-death penalty-kick winners over Raiders, but they also pocketed $100 000.
Kelvin Roberts (Patentia) and Dexter Marshall (Raiders) scored for their respective teams who had ended regulation and extra time 1-1. Raiders eventually settled for $75 000.
Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste said that his company, Banks DIH Limited, is more than overwhelmed at not only the level of play, but the response and support shown by the people in the West Demerara area.
It was the first time the nationwide tournament was held on the ‘West Side’ and Baptiste made it clear that it will be an annual fixture henceforth.

(By Rawle Toney)