Beacons emerged champions of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Bartica Championship, defeating Police 1-0 on Sunday night at the Bartica Community Centre tarmac. Whitney Welcome (31st) denied the lawmen in a physical match-up, which was witnessed by a mammoth and partisan crowd.
Welcome, upon receiving the ball on the right side, slammed his effort past the final defender to ignite wild celebrations on the field. For the officers, it was their second loss in three years in the championship match-up. Police also lost the inaugural final in 2017 to Rivers View.
Beacons sealed their place in the championship match after brushing aside Walking Boys 3-0.
On the other hand, Police arrested Mighty Ruler 1-0 on penalty kicks, after regulation and extra time ended scoreless.
With the win, Beacons pocketed $400,000 and the respective trophy. They also earned an automatic place in the National Championship, which is pegged to start in August.
Meanwhile, the losing finalist received $150,000 and a trophy. In the third place playoff, newcomer Walking Boys needled Mighty Ruler 1-0.
Due to the outcome, Walking Boyz walked away with $100,000 and a trophy, while Mighty Rulers collected $75,000 and the respective accolade.
Also, Goal-Raiders won the Guinness Plate Championship, defeating Rivers View 1-0 on penalty kicks, after regulation and extra time ended scoreless.
For their win, Goal-Raiders pocketed $60,000. In the earlier Guinness Plate semi-final round, Goal-Raiders tipped Prison Officers 1-0, while Rivers View edged Potaro by an identical score.
The other major sponsor of the event was Colours Boutique. In attendance at the venue was Banks DIH Guinness Brand Executive Lee Baptiste. The Georgetown leg of the tournament is slated to commence in July.
