Dave & Celina All Stars crowned 2017 Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ National Champs

Jul 17, 2017 Sports, http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....ets-national-champs/

Showstoppers end third

By Franklin Wilson
Playing almost flawless football and displaying excellent team spirit and understanding, the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden has seen its very own, Dave & Celina All Stars crowned the 2017 Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ National Champions on Saturday night at Demerara Park, Thirst Park.
Witnessed by a colourful crowd, the clash of Linden vs the West Side saw the lads from Linden featuring three National Beach Soccer players, Captain Kennard Simon, Keon Sears and Cordel Johnson; humble their rivals from the West Side, Hustlers, in dominant fashion, 4-1.
They were led by one of the best athletes in this format of the game, the indefatigable elder statesman, Rawle ‘Bony Man’ Gittens who blasted a double, the first and final goal in the 6th and 20th minute; having already netted a hat-trick in the semi final encounter, earlier in the night.
Captain Kennard Simon added his name on the score sheet in the 12th minute as his side out-hustled, Hustlers. Keon Sears made his presence felt adding to the teams’ success with a goal on 19 minutes.
The new champions earned for themselves the winning purse of $550,000 and trophy with the losers receiving $300,000 and trophy. The third place match featured Showstoppers taking care of Silver Bulllets 1-0 to lift the third prize of $200,000 and trophy, while fourth place attracted a prize of $100,000.
The new champs, exuded confidence throughout the championship at the regional and national levels and received the unflinching support of team owner, Lalta Ramdehol who was present at all their matches.
Their small band of supporters who made the trip down to the City to cheer them on did not leave disappointed as Dave & Celina All Stars were the start act on the night. They were in similar winning form in their semi final match against fellow Linden side, Silver Bullets, edging them in a thriller, 4-3.
Gittens blasted home goals in 20th, 30th +1, 30th + 4, while his Captain accounted for the other goal in the 29th minute. For Silver Bullets, the players on target were Jamaine Samuels in the 30th, 30th + 6 and Damion Williams in the 8th minute.
Showstoppers’ Hubert Pedro was their star in the third place match as his 4th minute strike made all the difference against Silver Bullets which failed to fire.
Hustlers had earlier won their semi final match 1-0 against Showstoppers on account of A Donald McKenzie 18th minute goal.
Soaking in all the action on Saturday night were Guinness Brand Manager Mr. Lee Baptiste, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Managing Director of Colours Boutique, Mr. Milton Branford and Communications Director of Banks DIH, Troy Peters.