The DIRECTV North East Stars Champion of Champions Invitation Football Tournament kicked off on 9th December with a clash between Mayaro Spurs & Quash Trace.
The first match in group A showed just how much all of the 8 competing teams want to win the $25,000 first prize. Mayaro Spurs, who included North East Stars guest trio, Akiel Guevera and Anton & Glenton Wolfe set the bench mark for the tournament by beating Quash Trace 4-2.
Despite poor weather conditions, over 750 spectators have been attending the matches in Manzanilla. After the completion of two rounds in Group A, Mayaro Spurs look certain to go through to the semi final on 27th December at Sangre Grande Recreational complex, Ojoe Rd after beating G.Madrid 2-1 in their 2nd round game. Valencia Lions are sitting in 2nd spot with 4 points after winning 2-1 against Quash Trace and drawing 1-1 with G.Madrid.
In Group B, Settlement United are in top spot after Round 1, claiming a 2-1 victory over Express F.C., while the top game of Round 1 saw Matura United taking a 3-0 lead before Slappers F.C. staged a magnificent come back, ending in a 4-4 draw. Group B's 2nd round takes place on Thursday 16th December in Manzanilla with Slappers F.C. vs Matura Utd at 7pm, with Express F.C. vs Settlement Utd at 9pm.
The final matches in Group A will see Valencia Lions play Mayaro Spurs at 7pm and Quash Trace vs G.Madrid at 9pm on Friday 17th December, while in Group B, Express F.C. play Slappers at 7pm and Settlement Utd play Matura Utd at 9pm on Tuesday 21st December.
After Christmas, all eyes will turn to the Semi Finals on 27th December at Ojoe Rd, when big crowds are expected to see which teams progress. The double header will also feature entertainment and licensed bar supplied by Carib.
The $25,000 prize will be awarded to the winning team at the final on 1st January, when Ojoe Rd will host a football feast coupled with live performances from Sherwayne Winchester and You plus other top soca artists. Aside from the Carib tent, it is believed that other North East Stars sponsors such as DIRECTV, Toyota, Japs Fried Chicken and Sports & Games will be on hand to help the party along.