Stabroek News

Guinness grand finale set for Providence National Stadium

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In less than 48 hours, the opening night of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ National Championsh­ip will be staged at the Pouderoyen Tarmac, West Demerara.

The first of three nights is expected to set the tone for the pulsating championsh­ip as fans will finally get the opportunit­y to witness the best teams from the respective communitie­s battle for the Holy Grail of street-ball.

The second night of the national street phenomenon will be staged at the Haslington Market Tarmac on August 1st [Emancipati­on Day], with the grand finale set for the impressive National Stadium, Providence.

The decision to stage the event at the national venue is being praised by many fans, players and pundits, as a way of improving the image and building the format, which is in its ninth year.

In terms of success, Georgetown has led the way with five championsh­ips from the trident of Sparta Boss, Back Circle and Tiger Bay. The other titlist is defending champion Dave & Celina’s All-Stars, a product of the Mining Town of Linden.

The fact that the national title is no longer in the hands of a Georgetown team, regarded as the traditiona­l powers, is enough evidence to suggest that this year’s battle for supremacy will be enthrallin­g, with no clear favourite in sight.

The feedback from the respective camps is that teams have been training assiduousl­y in their aim to secure the coveted title, with many fancying their chances of engraving their name on the accolade.

Following Dave & Celena’s All-Stars triumph last year, it is felt that the intimidati­on visiting teams experience­d playing against Georgetown opposition has disappeare­d and they believe that any team could rise to the occasion.

On the other hand, with Georgetown’s aura slightly dented, other zone winners will feel inspired by the Lindeners performanc­e and raise their level of play as well to ensure that the trophy goes elsewhere.

Below features the complete list of fixtures for the opening night. Complete Fixtures West Side Ballers vs Silver Bullets-19:00hrs

ESPN vs Crew-19:30hrs

Leopold Street vs Dave & Disconnect­ion Celena’s All-Stars-20:00hrs

Showstoppe­rs vs Swag Entertainm­ent-20:30hrs

ESPN vs West Side Ballers21:30hrs

Silver Bullets vs Disconnect­ion Crew-22:00hrs

Swag Entertainm­ent vs Dave & Celena’s-22:30hrs

Showstoppe­rs vs Leopold Street-23:00hrs

 ??  ?? Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste (2nd ;left), Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart (left) and other Banks DIH officials made a site inspection yesterday, at the National Stadium.
Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste (2nd ;left), Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart (left) and other Banks DIH officials made a site inspection yesterday, at the National Stadium.
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