THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) footballers were absent from yesterday’s Premium Beer Knock-Out presentation ceremony which was held in the boardroom of Banks DIH’s Thirst Park complex.

The competition’s winning team Sunburst Camptown ensured they were present to collect their first prize trophy and a $300 000 cheque.

Also absent yesterday were the tournament’s Highest Goal Scorer Stellon David of GDF, Most Outstanding Goalkeeper Richie Richards of Camptown, the Most Valuable Player Chris Comacho, also of Camptown, and a representative of Santos Football Club who were adjudged the Most Disciplined Team of the competition.

In this Cullen Bess-Nelson photo, Sunburst Camptown captain Rishawn Sandiford (third left) accepts the winning trophy and cheque from Banks DIH Sales and Marketing Executive Carlton Joao, while looking on from left are Camptown vice-president Leroy Prescod, Fruta Conquerors secretary Candia Shepherd, Alpha United secretary Fiona Hamilton and Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters.

In brief remarks at yesterday’s presentation ceremony, Banks DIH Sales and Marketing Executive, Carlton Joao, reiterated his company’s commitment to the development of sports in Guyana.

Joao congratulated the winners as well as the other top three teams, namely GDF, Alpha United and Fruta Conquerors.

He said it was a marquee year for Banks DIH, as the company has so far sponsored a number of sporting events but according to him, the one that stood out the most was the Guinness Inter-Ward Street Football tournament.

Joao said over the years, Banks DIH has seen the level of football rise and his company did not sponsor the Premium Beer Knock-Out tournament just to get its brands on the market. “This is nothing about getting our brands out there.

We’re committed to football and we’re happy to work with the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), but very soon we’ll be doing some projects in Bartica and Berbice and we hope we’ll get the same support like we got in Georgetown.”

GFA secretary Marlon Cole in presenting the tournament’s report informed that the tournament started in March this year and concluded one month later.

He said 16 teams, comprising first division and Premier League, participated in the tournament and in all 16 matches were played and 60 goals were scored at an average of 3.12 per match.

Stellon David netted five goals to come out as the Highest Goal Scorer. The five goals included a helmet-trick (four goals) against Houston Stars.

GDF were adjudged the Most Offensive Team after scoring 12 goals and conceding two. They also registered the largest margin of victory, 8-0 against Houston Stars.

The Best Defensive Team was shared by GDF and Sunburst Camptown upon conceding two goals each.

Alpha United secretary Fiona Hamilton received the third place trophy and $75 000 prize money on behalf of the club as did Candia Shepherd, Fruta Conquerors’ treasurer who received a trophy and $50 000 for placing fourth.
For placing second, GDF will receive a trophy and $150 000.