THE Guinness Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast edition football tournament kicked off on Wednesday night at the Haslington Market tarmac as defending champions Melanie ‘A’ saw a perfect start to their title defence. Also picking up wins on opening night were Plaisance ‘A’, Paradise, Buxton, Nabaclis, Melanie ‘B’ along with both teams representing Beterverwagting (BV).

Jamal George put the champs in the lead, just two minutes into the contest, but Eon Abel eight minutes later equalised for Mahaica.
However, not to be outdone, William Europe scored what turned out to be the winning goal as Melanie ‘A’ held on to win 2-1.
Paradise came out 4-1 winners over Church Yard United, thanks to a double from Jamal Garnett (17th, 18th) and a goal each from Christopher Adams (20th) and Jermaine Clarke (23rd). Rolex Gouveia was the lone scorer for Church Yard, doing so from the penalty spot in the 24th minute.
Warren Gilkes, Teyon Lowe and Carlos Matthews were all on target for Plaisance ‘A’ as they defeated Mahaicony United 3-0.
Buxton had to look to penalty kicks to defeat Plaisance ‘B’ 2-1 after the two sides ended their regulation and extra time goalless.
Nabaclis won 2-1 against Victoria Eagles, with goals from Allamo Jack and Seretse Huntley while Kishawn Alfred scored Victoria’s lone goal in the 19th minute.
Both teams representing ‘BV’ triumphed with convincing wins. BV ‘B’ defeated Ann’s Grove Punters 2-0 (Threon Petri and Erin Hunter) and BV ‘A’ with a fourth-minute goal from Quacey Price bettered the home side (Haslington).
With strikes from Akeem Bacchus and Amoniki Rodgers, Melanie ‘B’ outclassed Golden Grove Superstars 2-0.
The tournament continues tonight with eight more matches at the same venue, starting at 19:00 hrs.
Game 1 – Melanie ‘B’ vs BV ‘A’
Game 2 – Ann’s Grove Punters vs Mahaica
Game 3 – Golden Grove Superstars vs Paradise
Game 4 – Nabaclis vs Plaisance ‘A’
Game 5 – Mahaicony United vs Victoria Eagles
Game 6 – Buxton vs Haslington
Game 7 – Melanie ‘A’ vs BV ‘B’
$300 000 is up for grabs for the tournament winners while second-placers will pocket $150 000 and third- and fourth-place finishers will collect $100 000 and $75 000 respectively.

(By Rawle Toney)