Guinness National Playoffs launched

Jul 07, 2017 Sports, http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....l-playoffs-launched/

The eagerly anticipated 5th edition of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ National Playoffs was officially launched yesterday, during a simple ceremony that was conducted, at the Banks DIH Ltd Sports Club.

In attendance at the occasion were Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste, Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart, Communications Manager Troy Peters, Colours Boutique representative Creanna Damon and Referees Co-ordinator Wayne Griffith.
The tournament, which will start tomorrow in the Mining Town of Linden, will be played over three days in different locations with the West Demerara and Georgetown, being the other communities that will witness 16 teams from six zones battle for the coveted first prize and bragging rights for one year.
Georgetown will be represented by Sparta Boss, who is also the reigning title holders and 2015 champions as well, inaugural winners Back Circle, who won the title in 2013, Tucville and Broad Street, while Dave and Celena’s All-Stars (champions of Linden), Swag Entertainment and Jermaine and Family Silver Bullets will represent the Mining Town.
The East Coast of Demerara representatives are Melanie-B (Champion), Plaisance-B and Buxton Diamond, while Showstoppers (Champion), Hustlers and Money Team are the West Demerara/East Bank Demerara ambassadors.
New Amsterdam (NA) Kings (Champion) and East Bank Gunners are the Berbice representatives, while Riverview (Champion) will be the sole entry from Bartica.
Baptiste speaking at the Launch revealed that the season has certainly lived up to the expectation of being the best thus far, citing the increase in teams participation when compared with previous years as evidence of his pronouncement.
He added, “Over the three days, the public will witness the best of the best competing to see who is made of more, revealing “The intention is to take the national final to different parts of the country.”
Baptiste praised sponsor Colours Boutique for its continued support, adding that the entity has remained on board without much fanfare.
He also commended the Guyana Football Federation, the referees for their commitment and the media for their support over the years.
Meanwhile, the fixtures for opening night will see NA Kings tackle Melanie-B at 20:00hrs and this encounter will be followed by the clash between Swag Entertainment and Buxton Diamond from 20:45hrs.
At 21:30hrs, East Bank Gunners square off against Dave and Celena’s All-Stars, while Tucville and Jermaine and Family Silver Bullets clash kickoff at 22:15hrs.
Following the completion of the four matches, the winners of game two and three battle from 23:00hrs, while the winners of game one and four clash at 23:45hrs.
The survivors automatically move into the semi-final round.
The event resumes on July 14, at the Pouderoyen Tarmac.
Plaisance-B battle Broad Street at 20:00hrs, while Showstoppers square off against Riverview from 20:45hrs.
The third fixture will see the Money Team match strides with Sparta Boss at 21:30hrs, while Back Circle tackle Hustlers from 22:15hrs.
The winners of game one and four then collide for a semi final place and so too the winner of the game two and three encounter.
The semi-finals and final will be played on July 15, at the Demerara Park, Thirst Park.
Winner of the tournament will receive $800,000 and the Championship trophy, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will pocket $400,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively along with trophies.