The dynamic Jessica Teasdale proved on Tuesday evening that she can not only match her male counterparts, but also outscore them as she netted a hat-trick to spur Team Diplomats to a commanding 6-3 win over Team Parliament in a feature football match at the Everest ground, Camp Road.
Though it was billed as a friendly encounter to usher in observances related to the 70th anniversary of Guyana’s Parliament, the game was for the most part fiercely competitive.
Despite the spirited battle between the two sides, the eventual outcome was settled very early as Diplomats surged ahead with three unanswered goals in the initial exchanges.
It was the type of start that had Team Parliament playing catch-up from the get-go.
Teasdale netted a hat-trick in the first half, which ended 5-0 in favour of the Diplomats, before Team Parliament enjoyed a better second-half, scoring three goals, while conceding one.
Everest has been a happy hunting ground for Teasdale.
Just last October, she played a crucial role in GT Kanaimas winning the Amerindian Heritage Games female football final, scoring the opening goal in their 4-0 success over the reigning champions Paiwomak Warriors.
On Tuesday, she got support from MVP Rick Jan Molanus with a double and Edwin Martinez with a solitary strike.
Azumah Roberts netted a double for Team Parliament, while Roberto Gibson scored the other.
Molanus received a trophy for being MVP, while Teasdale received same for scoring the most goals.
Team Diplomats lifted the champions trophy, while players on both sides were presented with commemorative medals.
The game was played in a festive atmosphere and was attended by politicians from the government and opposition benches, members of the diplomatic community, representatives of corporate Guyana and fans and stakeholders of football.
The on-field activities were coordinated by the Guyana Football Federation, who provided the officials and technical staff to ensure a match of the highest standard.
The two sides were coached by national senior coach Jamaal Shabazz (Team Parliament) and youth coach Vurlon Mills (Team Diplomats). Notably, President of the Guyana Football Federation Wayne Forde turned out for Team Parliament.
He said the Federation was pleased to play a part in the historic game, adding the the governing body will play a more integral role in getting Team Parliament better prepared for the next encounter.
Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir had earlier hinted at the game becoming an annual feature.
Meanwhile, at the half-time break, Nadir stood between the uprights, defending the goal against some Members of Parliament, representatives of the diplomatic community and spectators.
In a novelty game dubbed ‘Get one pass the Speaker’, those who managed to score received a token. To his credit, the Speaker did manage to save a few.
Among those who took a shot at goal were Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira, Members of Parliament Dharamkumar Seeraj, Ganesh Mahipaul and Jermaine Figueira, US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch and national Table-Tennis player Miguel Wong.
Nadir, speaking at the presentation ceremony, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who played a part in making the game a success, and lauded the players for the spirit and camaraderie in which the game was played.
