Regional Associations (RAs) of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) have begun their respective Leagues across the nation in quest to determine their Champions and give them the opportunity to be elevated to the top tier of the country’s football, the Elite League.

The East Bank FA opened with an explosion of 16 goals in the first two matches played at the Timehri Red ground yesterday. This year a new Champion will be crowned as defending Champion Grove Hi-tech is not competing.

In a commanding 2nd half display, Diamond United routed St. Cuthbert FC 7-3 after trailing 3-0 by the opening 20 minutes. Shafran Glenlian (12′), Tino Simon (16′) and an own goal in the 20th minute by Diamond’s custodian gave St. Cuthbert hope of an opening 3 points.

A spirited turn around by Diamond quickly cancelled out the lead. Shaquan Joseph(30′), Brad Phang (35′) and Brian Dass on the stroke of half time made it 3-all. And on the resumption Brazilian- born Ixiox Da Silver netted a double in the space of 8 minutes(47′ and 55′) to take the fight out of the St. Cuthbert boys. Joseph then added two in the 89th and 90th minutes to complete his hat-trick and the demolition of their opponents.

The 2nd game ended in a 3-3 stalemate, but also produced another come from behind effort as Samatta Point rebounded from a 3-goal deficit to share a point each with Swan FC who led through goals from Michael Williams (8′), Bruno Hrnritol(14′) and Ernest Adams(30′).

In reply, Sherlon Hetymer(37′), Daquan Bovell(70′) and Matthew Austin(83′) were on target for Samatta.

The 9-team East Bank Men’s Senior League will continue today (9th July) with another double-header at the Timehri Red ground, beginning this morning at 11 hrs. when Friendship tackle Timehri Panthers and at 1:30 it will be Soesdyke Falcons versus Herstelling Raiders.

In the City, the GFA’s league continued on Friday as GFC secured their first 3 points with a hard fought 2-1 win over Order and Discipline thanks to strikes by Sherwin Evans (47′) and Meshack Grant(73′). Jamal Benjamin got the consolation goal for the losers in the 86th minute.

In the night cap the Escobar brothers gave Vengy their 2nd win from as many games as they humbled Camptown FC 2-0 In a heated game. Elder brother Carlos netted the opener in the 80th minute and 6 minutes later David sealed the 3 points that pushed them to the top of the table with Beacons.

The GFA’s 9-team competition will continue today at GFC ground with a triple-header beginning at 3 pm when Eastveldt meet Order and Discipline. At 5 pm Pele FC will face Black Pearl and in the final game set for 7 pm Beacons FC take on Riddim Squad.

Last Friday also saw action in the Bartica FA’s competition where only 1 game was possible after heavy rains brought a premature end to the night and without Wolves United and Lazio taking the field.

CUP holders Rivers View made it 2 wins from 2 games as they overcame Potato Strikers 2-1. A 2nd double in as many games by Andrew Simmons(17′ and 87′) clinched the win while Daniel Gardener converted for Strikers in the 37rh minute.