Keen contests expected for `Cage’ streetball trophy
History will be created tonight at the Haslington Market Tarmac, when Uprising, Broad Street, Sparta Boss and Leopold Street battle for the Guinness ‘Cage’ Streetball Championship.
Following four nights of thrilling action, the large fandom that is expected to descend on the venue, will witness four teams who possess championship acumen and titles, battling for the latest prize on the Guinness Streetball Championship circuit.
Uprising, the current holders of the East Coast championship, will lock horns with 2010 Georgetown champion Broad Street in the opening semi-final at 20:00hrs.
As the lone remaining entrant from the East Coast of Demerara, the youthful Golden Grove outfit has the weight of the entire zone on their shoulders.
Marshalled by the invaluable Les Charles Critchlow, Uprising has been fearless in their campaign, securing their semi-final berth following victories over Blazers of Beterverwagting [BV] and Plaisance.
Their spirited attitude has posed a significant threat to all opponents, and with a talented roster of Shamar Scott, Phillip Williams, David Wilson and Seretsi Huntley complementing the skills of Critchlow, the homeside are no pushover.
On the other side is one of the most experienced teams in this version and they’ve already demonstrated their quality, following efficient displays in the earlier rounds. Seasoned campaigners, siblings Rocky and Jimmy Gravesande, lead a dangerous supporting cast consisting of Jamal Cozier and Kevin Cummings, individuals who aided in their 1-0 wins over formidable foes North East La Penitence and Alexander Village.
Meanwhile, the second semifinal of the night will pit Leopold Street [2012 Georgetown winner] against traditional rival Sparta Boss [2015, 2016 Georgetown champion and 2014, 2015 and 2016 National Champion].
The Spartans have dominated the recent matchups, defeating Leopold Street twice via penalty kicks in the GT Beer ‘Keep Your Five Alive’ Competition and the Guinness Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Championship.
However, Leopold Street will enter the clash as the favourite due to their superior form. Led by talisman Okanie Fraser, the Leopold Street unit has stormed through the tournament with an undefeated record, following wins over Albouystown and previous champ Ol Skool Ballers.
Expected to once again provide support to Fraser in their pursuit of more silverware is the potent core of Mark Jhalu, Carl Tudor, Darren Benjamin and Tyrese Forde.
Their opponent Sparta Boss, who have stuttered in the earlier group rounds following two defeats, have started to hit their best form due to knockout wins over Back Circle and Avocado Ballers.
Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, is the marquee threat for the East La Penitence-based unit, who also possess formidable talents such as Jermin Junor, Sheldon Shepherd, Courtney Britton and Eusi Phillips.
The winners of the respective matches will advance to the finale later in the evening, with the losers battling in the third place playoff.
The tournament is being organized to forge integration among the participating communities in an effort to create a better understanding among its inhabitants.