– Champs Back Circle start as favourites to retain title

TITLE holders of the Mashramani Street Championship Back Circle made an emphatic statement to all pretenders that they are in no mood to entertain claimants to their throne without a battle.

This declaration was made evident after surviving an enthralling clash in the final of the tournament they hosted on their home turf in East Ruimveldt on Friday.

Playing against another tough opponent in North East La Penitence, the reigning Mash champs prevailed in sudden death penalty shootout following a fierce battle in the final.

Tonight’s one night of action among the 16 top teams is anticipated to produce fireworks for the start as teams fight for over $1million in prize monies and trophies, at the National Park.

The winning team will cart off $500,000 and trophy, while second, third and fourth place runners-up will take home $250,000, $150,000 and $100,000 along with trophies respectively.

The champs come into the tournament brimming with confidence, but they also know that the gap between the so-called established teams and the new cadre of sides have narrowed immensely.

Previously, teams such as Sparta Boss, Gold is Money, Bent Street and Festival City were favoured to be among the last standing, but this notion has changed in recent tournaments so fans can expect impressive performances from the new brigade of aspirants in the format.

Teams such as LA Ballers, Team Cruel, Ballerz Empire, California Square and Lodge All Stars are all loaded with players skillful enough to spring upsets.

According to Organiser Edison Jefford, the shortened format is the new direction sport is taking, pointing to the exciting Twenty20 cricket as a prime example to underscore his point.

“I have an opportunity to create an atmosphere allied with the Mashramani celebrations which is adorned with color, pomp and ceremony and fans can be assured that that is what I will deliver along with the on-field intense fireworks.

Jefford extended thanks to all members of the corporate community who have supported the event, while Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken was also praised for his continued assistance in ensuring that security remains a high priority, during the night’s proceedings.

Meanwhile, the fixtures for tonight’s showdown are as follows: Back Circle vs. Family; California Square vs. Agricola; Gold is Money vs. Lodge All Stars; Stabroek Ballers vs. Ballerz Empire; Sparta Boss vs. Unstoppable; Festival City vs. LA Ballers; Bent Street vs. Team Cruel and North East La Penitence vs. Team Xtreme.

Kick-off time is 18:00 hrs and teams are expected to be on time for a prompt start failing which a walkover will be awarded to the compliant team.