Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Former Guyana Under-19 Captain Eugene LaFleur said he is pleased with another outing for Victoria Park Cricket Club in this year’s Toronto and District Cricket Association (T&DCA) Premier Division tournament.

Adding to his gratifying and excellent performances, Victoria Park defeated Mississauga Ramblers Sports Club last Sunday to win the championship with LaFleur producing a fine all-round display.

He hit a responsible 70 in his team’s respectable 234-8 off the allotted 50 overs and then returned with his left-arm spin to claim five wickets for 27 runs from nine overs as Victoria Park won by a comprehensive 71-run margin at King City venue.

Victoria Park was tottering at 50-5 in the 20th over when LaFleur arrived at the crease and then participated in a marvellous 131-run seventh-wicket stand with former Guyana fast bowler Trevon Garraway, who scored 54 valuable runs.

Playing in his second consecutive year, the Berbician is delighted to end on a winning note after his side also featured in the final last year, but lost to Brampton Masters Tranzac Sports Club at the same venue.

“I [am] totally satisfied with my performances again this year and also I enjoyed the season with my club; is my second year and I really like the competitive cricket in North America and also to be in the champion side,” LaFleur declared.

His appreciation went out to several individuals, team members and executives of Victoria Park for their various contributions to making his stint a success in Canada.

“I just want to thank my fellow players for the support on the field and making me comfortable here in Canada; the executives of the club were also supportive while I want to thank Carl Moore in Guyana for his steady encouragement,” LaFleur, who captained Guyana at the 2008 regional youth tournament in Barbados, mentioned.

His total aggregate of 443 runs from 18 innings and 20 wickets with a highest score of 82 not out give LaFleur greater motivation to continue plying his trade in Canada next year as he sets his goals on representing his native country at the highest level in two years as well.

He strongly believes in discipline and determination to succeed and once he can maintain his focus, getting into the Golden Arrowhead colours is very realistic in the near future.

“I think it is about hard work and determination; I still want to represent my country, but I know I have got to make runs and take wickets consistently whether I am playing in Canada, T&T or Guyana,” the 24-year-old crickete related.

Meanwhile, President of the club, Richard Ramlall, was very willing to share some comments on the tidy and positive cricketer, LaFleur, for his professional approach to the game.

“I think he is a very disciplined and determined cricketer; this year, he was excellent with the bat, excellent with the ball and he is undoubtedly a great talent and I am very confident he will make us proud in the future,” Ramlall expressed.

Team’s manager Shiv Persaud also took the opportunity to laud the talented LaFleur on his accomplishment this year and admired the youngster’s ability and his execution on the field.

“After seeing LaFleur for the past two years, I am impressed with his cricketing skills; he is just a superb cricketer and I wish him well as he aspires to play for his country now at the senior level and I know he will do it soon,” Persaud stated.

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Thanks to a belligerent innings from Brian Sattaur, backed by incisive swing bowling from Professional Cricket League (PCL) selectee Paul Wintz, host Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) demolished Gandhi Youth Organization (GYO) by an innings and 274 runs, yesterday, in their Georgetown Cricket Association/Hadi’s Mall Inc. two day first division fixture.

Batting first, GYO were bowled out for 91 with only Garfield DeRouche 35 (4×4, 2×6) offering resistance to Wintz who took 5 for 37 and skipper Christopher Barnwell who supported with 3 for 16 for DCC, who in reply reached 403 for 5 declared, after losing Trevon Griffith without scoring off the second ball of their innings.

Sattaur led the way, hitting 21 fours and 12 sixes in his 189 before he was caught at deep midwicket off Trevon France (3 for 91), while Derwin Christian marked a return to local competition with his 75 (5×6, 5×4), Barnwell 56 (4×4, 3×6) and Shurfane Rutherford 31 (4×4, 1×6).

The diminutive Tevin Imloch who made 20 (3×4), was an innocent bystander at the non-striker’s end, during his 176 runs second wicket partnership with Sattaur, who later added 101 for the third wicket with Christian, after Imloch pushed one tamely back to France.

According to reports, during the DCC innings, GYO’s skipper Surendra Hiralall ordered his wicketkeeper, in former West Indies Under-19 player Kwame Crosse, to leave the field of play for insubordination, opting to field with 10 players instead.

Faced with a deficit of 312, GYO faced a rampaging Wintz in their second innings and the fast bowler did not disappoint Barnwell, as he used the conditions well to his advantage on his way to claiming 5 for 18 including a hat trick for match figures of 10 for 55, as GYO were limited to 38 for 9 off 15.4 overs.

Hiralall was the lone batsman to reach double figures with his 10 which included a square driven four off Wintz, who got support from Barnwell 2 for 4, as the home team romped to the mammoth win, earning fro themselves a day’s rest on today’s second day, in the process.

At the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, the home team who took first innings points from Transport Sports Club (TSC), saw their opponents trailing by 3 runs at the end of the first day.

Batting first, TSC were bowled out for 65 with only Ryan Hemraj 39 (4×4, 2×6) and Charwayne McPherson 11 reaching double figures against the bowling of Ronsford Beaton who took career best figures of 6 for 13 and Raj Nannan 4 for 9.

Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed then struck 12 fours and two sixes in his 79, which together with Winston Forrester 34 (5×4) and 24 (3×4) from Nannan, pushed GCC who were 28 for 3, to 203 for 8 declared, for a lead of 138.

The veteran Kevin Ross took 3 for 53, Junior Duncan 2 for 39 and Orin Fernandez 2 for 52 for TSCX, who in their second innings were 133 for 3, thanks to Devaughn Nandan 49 (4×4, 2×6) and 42 from Hemraj which included eight fours, while Nannan has so far taken 3 for 62.

That match will continue today from 09:30hrs.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Playing with more freedom and comfort in a format they have dominated over the years, Floodlight Masters turned the tables on the Guyana Media XI, winning the feature softball game on Friday night at the Demerara Cricket Club ground by nine wickets to level the series 1-1.

When the two teams clashed in a 20/20 hardball contest two Fridays ago, the Media boys surged to a commanding nine-wicket victory at the same venue and immediately accepted the challenge for a rematch at softball.

Eager to exact revenge, Floodlight Masters skipper Ricky Deonarain won the toss and without hesitation inserted the Guyana Media XI to take first strike under the newly installed floodlights at the venue.

The decision brought rewards in abundance as the Guyana Media XI crashed to 4-4 by the second over, with the experienced Lakeram ‘Mike’ Singh claiming three wickets in his first over to add to the one Rohan Booj-Raj captured off the fourth ball of the innings.

The wickets to fall were Esan Griffith (01), Jerry Singh (02), Rene Stoby (01) and Navin Budhai without scoring. Orlando Charles and Shahrukh Imran then added 27 for the fifth wicket, but just when the pair was looking to consolidate, Charles fell for two at 31-5. Without addition to the score, Imran, who cracked three sweetly timed boundaries in 18, was also dismissed in the sixth over.

Floodlight Masters were sensing an early night, but Keon Blades and Avenash Ramzan then stabilised the innings with a fighting seventh wicket partnership of 40 in eight overs. The pair rotated the strike well and scored the occasional boundary before Ramzan was stumped for 16 (1×4).

Blades, who started to up the tempo in the death overs, was joined by skipper John Ramsingh and the pair pushed the score beyond the triple figure mark, as the Media XI made 109 in 21 overs. Blades topscored with a stroked-filled 38 (4x4s, 1×6), while Ramsingh made 11 (2x4s).

Bowling for Floodlight Masters, Singh claimed 3-10 and Booj-Raj 2-29.

Chasing 110 for victory, Floodlight Masters openers Lalta Gainda and Patrick Khan wielded their willows to good effect, dispatching the white balls to all parts of the outfield.

They posted 103 for the first wicket with Khan blasting 57, an innings that included four sixes and a similar number of fours. Gainda, who ended the game with a six, finished on a stylish 49, inclusive of four sixes and three fours. Rene Stoby picked up the only wicket to fall as Floodlight Masters sealed the win in the 11th over.

At the presentation ceremony, Singh was named Man-of-the-Match, while Booj-Raj was adjudged Best Bowler on the winning side and Gainda, Best Batsman. For the losing side, Blades and Stoby were given a trophy each being Best Batsman and Bowler respectively. Trophies for the game were sponsored by the Trophy Stall.

Before the presentation concluded the two teams decided to settle the score once and for all, and have agreed to play a hardball match in November.

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - A left-hander, Tagenarine Chanderpaul marks his guard by hammering the bail into the pitch and in true family tradition prefers grinding away at the opposition rather than beating them to a pulp.

Tagenarine, like his father, is said to be a patient batsman, hard to dislodge and capable of spending a lot of time at the crease.

The 18-year-old has shown plenty of promise since making his First-Class debut last year, but his career statistics remain below par for an opening batsman.

The young Chanderpaul has compiled 371 runs in nine matches at an average of just over 20. He has demonstrated his tendency to make good starts, but fail to capitalise.

However, after earning selection to the Guyana franchise, Tagenarine, the son of West Indies batting great Shivnarine Chanderpaul, is hoping the upcoming West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League’s (PCL) Regional Four-Day and NAGICO Super50 Tournaments can prove his breakthrough season.

“Hopefully I can kick on from the starts and have a successful season. I have often done the hard work and got in, but then given it away. The lack of concentration is something I have worked on and hopefully it will work and I will kick on with some big scores,” he said.

Tagenarine is among the retained players chosen by the local franchise. He further revealed that playing for Guyana always mean a lot, and he is looking to make each and every opportunity count.

After making his First-Class debut against the Leeward Islands in Antigua in March last year, Tagenarine and his father created history by becoming only the second father/son pair to appear in a First-Class match in the Caribbean.

In September 1948, Lebrun Constantine made his final appearance for Trinidad and Tobago against Barbados in British Guiana at the age of 48 playing alongside his son Learie Constantine.

The other retained players for Guyana are: Devendra Bishoo, Narsingh Deonarine, Assad Fudadin, Leon Johnson, Veerasammy Permaul, Christopher Barnwell, Ronsford Beaton, Anthony Bramble and Trevon Griffith.

Barbadian all-rounder Raymond Reifer, along with Guyanese opening batsman Rajendra Chandrika, middle-order batsman Vishaul Singh and fast bowlers Keon Joseph and Paul Wintz complete the Guyana Franchise.

The five players were chosen at last Monday’s inaugural Player Draft of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League, staged at Accra Beach Hotel in Barbados.

Veteran West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who is a centrally contracted WICB player, is an automatic pick for Guyana Franchise.

The Professional First Class Franchise System will be engaged in a professional cricket structure on a day-to-day basis, year round, under a Head Coach and support staff.

All six franchises will be given US$45,000 per month to fund their operations, but will be required to raise revenue as well.

More so, under this new initiative, an ‘A’ contract will see players earning US$2,500 per month, a ‘B’ contract, US$1,700, and ‘C’ contract, US$1,250.

The Regional Four-Day tournament will bowl off on November 14.

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) on Friday launched the fifth edition of the Corporate Business in Sports (CBIS) Inter-Agency Softball cricket Tournament, fund day and exhibition cricket games amongst Corporate Business entities in Berbice under the theme “Fostering Unity among Cooperate Businesses.”

The launching, which took place on the BCCDA office at Chapel Street, New Amsterdam, was attended by the respective captains of the participating teams along with sponsors and members of the BCCDA. The activity was chaired by Anil Beharry with remarks by President of the BCCDA Mark Roopnarine Treasurer Chris Hicks and committee member Wazir Alli.

The teams are expected to engage in 10/10 cricket, dominoes and other activities.   The finals will be played under floodlights. A feature 20/20 exhibition cricket match between a Berbice select team and top club Albion Community Centre is also on the cards.

The event will be held at the Albion Sports Complex on Saturday 25th October and will bring together 14 business organisations and agencies. The competition will be played on a knockout basis. The activity will held for the first time using permanent Light which were recently installed at the venue.

The event, which is in its fifth year, is aimed at promoting unity and fostering better working relationships between the entities and the public. The day’s activities as usual is expected to offer much excitement as patrons will have the opportunity to see professionals from various disciplines including bankers, managers, lawyers, pre-sellers, cashiers, clerks all battling for supremacy.

Fans will be in for a big treat as the organisers have introduced a number of new initiatives to make the activity a truly business, family oriented affair.

The activities are expected to commence at 09:00hrs and go way into the evening under lights. Top stereos sounds Paragon International will entertain fans while big screen projectors and cheer leader and dancers will also be in attendance. Fireworks display is also on the cards. Children and other patrons will also be catered for with Merry go round and other activities.

Patrons will have an opportunity to walk away with gate prizes which will be up for grab. All the funds raised from the project will go towards charity.

The tournament, which started in 2010 as a friendly game amongst business places, has now grown to become an agenda item on the calendars of the corporate businesses.

The drawing of the fixtures was also done. The following match ups were arrived at: Nand Persaud Caribe Rice will take on Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha; Hand in Hand Insurance versus New Building Society; Demerara Bank coming up against Republic Bank; Berbice Bridge Company meets Ansa McAl Stag Boyz; Oldendorff Carriers challenges Metro Office and Computer Supplies; new comers Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) matches skills with Neal and Massey, while in the final encounter new comers Js Super Market will play Banks DIH Limited.

Some rules of the competition are:-The Competition shall be Berbice Chamber CBIS 2014 Cup and will feature 10/10 Cricket Soft Ball Cricket.

Each Team is permitted two guest players (NO NATIONAL PLAYER). Employees spouse and children can register as staff of the Company if there are not enough employees to fill the team.

Wide and No Ball will be counted as Runs,  the front Foot “No Ball” will be counted as run and will earn a “FREE HIT”,  Runs earned as a result of overthrow will be recognized as legal runs, a maximum of 3 overs per bowler at semi and finals stages, while two overs will be allowed before.

One side batting will be allowed in an attempt to conserve on time. However for the semifinal and Semi and Final Two side batting will be allowed, if a tie occurs a “super over” will be played. An Over should not exceed 3 minutes and the entire game not exceed more that 60 minutes.

Third place finisher will be determined by the looser of the semi final with the higher scorer.

The defending champions Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports will not be participating this year.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - The latest round of the Ramchand/ Rohan Auto Spares softball 10-over cricket competition continued last Sunday with four matches and the next round is scheduled for today at venues in Essequibo, East Coast Demerara and Georgetown.

Results for Oct. 05th.

In the Female division, Wellwoman defeated Sleep Inn Warriors by 37 runs. Wellwoman 94 for 1 in 10 overs. Zola Telford 42, Latoya Smith 40 not out. Sleep Inn replied with 57 for 9 in 10 overs. Mickelly hit 24; Z. Telford 4 for 9 and Amanda Bob-Semple 3 for 9.

Trophy Stall Angels defeated 4R Lioness by 5 wickets. 4R Lioness 92 for 5 in 10 overs. Akaze Thompson 25 not out, Ruth George 21. Kavita Yadram 2 for 14, Roxanne De Monick 2 for 15. Trophy Stall Angels 93 for 4. Roxanne De Monick 28, Monica Seals 26 not out.

In the Male category, Industry Super Kings defeated Bel Air Rubis by 9 wickets. Bel Air Rubis 120 for 8 off 15 overs. Fizal Ali 37, Vijay Baljit 31 not out. David Harper 2 for 12. Industry 121 for 2 off 11.2 overs. Jagdesh Persaud 51 not out, N. Chand 26.

Wellman defeated Floodlight by 4 wickets. Floodlight 108 for 5 off 15 overs. Ricky Deonarain 40, Vivanand Samlall 2 for 19. Wellman 111 for 7 in 13.3 overs. Shawn Massiah 42, Wayne Jones 4 for 8.

Today’s fixtures:

G.N.I.C ground: 9:30am-Farm vs Young Guns. 12:30pm-Regal vs Challengers.

Parika ground: 9:30am-Savage Masters vs Front-liners. 12:30pm-Savage Masters vs Parika Defenders.

Cyril Potter College ground: Pitch 1: 9:30am-Herstelling vs Trophy Stall. 12:30pm-Speedboat vs Herstelling. Pitch 2: 9:30am-Speedboat vs Country Side. 12:30pm-Princess Hotel vs Warriors X1.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - National middle order batsman Steven Jacobs led from the front, so too did his national teammate Robin Bacchus, as both Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) and Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) record final day victories in their Georgetown Cricket Association/Hadi’s Mall Inc. two day first division matches yesterday.

At the MSC ground on Thomas Lands, the home team came from behind against Police Sports Club (PSC), to record a comfortable four wicket victory despite being complacent with victory in sight, whilst GCC maintained their stranglehold on Transport Sports Club (TSC) to win by nine wickets.

Batting first on Saturday’s opening day, PSC scored 187, thanks to Pernell London’s unbeaten 76 and Jason Heyliger 25, even as Steven Sankar took 5 for 62, Jacobs 2 for 17 and Kellon Carmichael 2 for 36 for MSC, who in reply were bowled out for 155.

Carmichael topscored with 67 and Vishal Narayan 20, as Kelvin Leitch (4 for 13), Seon Daniels (3 for 54) and Ricardo Adams who took 2 for 11, but left his side in limbo in their second innings after he failed to show up, which meant they were reduced to 112 for 9, batting a second time despite their first innings lead of 32.

Rawle Browne curbed his natural aggression to topscore with 61 that was decorated with nine fours and one six, but with the absence of Adams and the Lawmen inability to handle the spin of Sankar who took 4 for 35 (match figures 9 for 97) and Jacobs 4 for 30, MSC only had 145 to win the contest outright.

With Jacobs beginning to find form with the bat after being overlooked in the Professional Cricket League draft early last week, MSC reached 145 for 4 off 24 overs.

The dreadlocked Jacobs led from the front with his 82 (11×4, 2×6), while Carmichael with whom he added 63 for the third wicket following the demise of Shemroy Barrington (09) and Nichosie Barker (12), offered support with 24, before they were both dismissed with victory a mere nine runs away, as London, Daniels, Jason Heyliger and Darson Larose took a wicket each for PSC.

At Bourda, TSC who trailed their opponents by 133 on first innings, commenced the day on 130 for 3 with Sunil Singh on 31 and were bowled out for 268 just before lunch, with Singh hitting an unbeaten 83 that was decorated with six fours.

Shemroy Kendall supported Singh with 29 (2×4), even as Azim Azeez chipped in with 16 (3×4) for TSC, with Raj Nannan 5 for 95 (9 for 104) and Joshua Wade 2 for 40 leading the bowling for GCC, who were set 131 to win and reached that target off 24 overs, with Bacchus hitting an unbeaten 61 (6×4).

He added 102 for the first wicket with Martin Pestano-Belle who made 40 (4×4) before he was caught at midwicket off Azeez (1 for 25), enabling Bacchus and Winston Forrester to complete the nine wicket win, with Forrester unbeaten on 21 (3×4).

At Camp Road, host Everest Cricket Club and their guest Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) played to a dull draw, with Everest batting first and posting 330 for 3 declared, led by Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s unbeaten 152, Joseph Perry 113 and Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s unbeaten 25 (4×4).

In their turn at the wicket, GNIC were bowled out for 191, with Shaun DeSouza hitting 12 fours and one six in the topscore of 87 and Dexter Solomon five fours in his 42, while Zaheer Mohammed took 5 for 42 and Chandrapaul Hemraj 2 for 37.

Even though they had a handsome lead, Everest declined to enforce the follow-on, opting to take batting practice to which they reached 56 for 1 when stumps were pulled, with the younger Chanderpaul unbeaten on 41 (7×4), adding 43 for the second wicket with Denesh Mangal who was unbeaten on 10, following the early demise of Hemraj for 4 at 13 for 1.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - An unbeaten and maiden first division century from Guyana Under-19 wicketkeeper/batsman Ashkay Homraj helped Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets (RHTGG) make light work of Universal Solutions Bermine to earn a place in the final of this year’s Berbice Cricket Board/Berbice Bridge Company first division knock-out competition last Sunday.

In the semi-final which was played at Albion and which was reduced to 45 overs-a-side, Universal Solutions Bermine choosing to bat first saw their openers Hakeem Hinds and former Guyana national youth batsman Leon Williams post 66 for the first wicket from 20.3 overs, before Williams fell for 19.

Berbice all-rounder Devon Clements came in and he and Hinds did well to put on another 75 for the second wicket from 14 overs, before Hinds was run-out for 63 (4×4), enabling Joemal LaFleur to join Clements and add a quick-fire 60 from 7 overs.

Clements was dismissed for 72 (6×4, 2×6) and La Fleur for 33, leaving Bermine still in a good position at 202 for 4 off 40.3 overs, but their quest for quick runs was thwarted by former Berbice leg-spinner Shawn Pereira who removed three potential run-getters in Romario Shepherd, Keion De Jesus and Damien Vantull – before they could get going, as Bermine ended on 238 for 9.

Pereira ended with 4 for 45 and Keon Sinclair 2 for 50 for RHTGG, who began their quest for victory with Homraj and Delbert Hicks, but lost the latter at 24 for 1 in the 7th over, while Jason Sinclair joined Homraj and added 58 for the second wicket before Sinclair was dismissed for 33.

In came Royston Crandon and together with Homraj, took control and put paid to Bermine’s chances by adding 112 in just 11.4 overs, before Crandon fell to Shepherd for 58 (5×4, 2×6) at 194 for 3 in 31.1 overs.

Any hope Bermine might have had, did not materialise as Homraj and Berbice all-rounder Rajiv Ivan took 6.1 overs to hit off the required runs to see RHTGG comfortably home at 241 for 3 in 37.2 overs – Homraj finishing on 102 (7×4, 1×6) and Ivan 24, as Shepherd took 2 for 49.

At Port Mourant Cricket Club ground, the home team chose to take first strike against Albion and found runs hard to come by and were restricted to 138 all out in 49.1 overs with former Guyana Under-19 all-rounder Lloydel Lewis topscoring with 34 and national leg-spinner Amir Khan contributing 30.

Bowling for Albion, Berbice left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and West Indies left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul both returned bowling figures of 3 for 20 while the veteran Andre Percival took 2 for 15.

When Albion replied, the batting lineup with Jonathan Foo and Narsingh Deonarine both missing, soon found themselves on 39 for 3, but David Latchaya pulled them out of danger by adding 64 with Anthony Bramble before Latchaya was dismissed for 22 at 103 for 4.

Bramble found another good partner in Permaul and together they saw Albion to victory at 139 for 4 in 25.5 overs and into the final, with Bramble being unbeaten on 58 and Permaul 13 when victory was achieved.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Police and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) recorded victories when the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Noble House Seafoods Second division two-day tournament continued last weekend.

At Eve Leary, Police overcame St. Stanislaus by 148 runs. Batting first Police managed 164 all out with Troy Benn top scoring with 42, while Sheldon Agard cracked 40. Sixteen year-old off spinner Umesh Boodram grabbed 6-18 off seven overs while Lawrence Wilson claimed 2-10. In reply, St. Stanislaus were bowled out for 49. Charlton Gaspar was the only batsman that offered resistance with 23 as Vishal Jaigobin snared four wickets, while Benn and David Singh had two each.

Batting a second time Police scored 114-9 declared. Lloyd Enmore stroked 59 and Benn assisted with 19; Boodram picked up 4-22 and Linden Wilson 3-20. Set 230 for victory, St. Stanislaus were skittled for 81. Prince Roberts scored 36; Jaigobin picked up 4-18 and Agard 2-20 led the bowling.

At Camp Ayangana, GDF overcame Sophia by 327 runs. GDF batted first and rattled up 249-8 declared. Marcus Watkins led with 50; Paul O’Neil made 47, Damien Ross 43, Randy Lindore 32 and Montell Gilead 30. Leon Griffin captured 4-20. Sophia were sent packing for 92 in response. Leon Leacock made 24 as medium pacer Colin McPherson grabbed 6-12 and O’Neil 2-34.

GDF posted 241-3 declared, batting a second time. Watkins top scored with 81 not out, Ross slammed 60 and Colvis Sam 43. Needing 399 for victory, Sophia could muster 71. Watkins bagged 6-17 and Lindore 3-21.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Yesterday morning and for the third successive year, the Roger Harper-steward Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), joined forces with the New Building Society (NBS) for the successful hosting of another 40 overs second division competition for teams within the capital city.

Present at the simple handing-over ceremony where Harper received a cheque for an undisclosed sum towards the sponsorship were NBS Chairman Floyd McDonald, Chief Executive Officer Amad Khan, and with other executives from both NBS and the GCA.

Prior to the presentation of the cheque, McDonald in his remarks said his entity was pleased to be associated with the GCA, adding that it was fitting for the NBS to include Georgetown in its programme, having fostered a relationship with Berbice and Essequibo.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are very happy to be a part of this very important event today. The NBS is an organisation that is involved in the promotion of housing development in Guyana, especially affordable housing, but as a corporate entity we are of the view that we should make other contributions to society.

We are also of the view that sport plays an integral part of a person’s development, especially young people and with cricket being so popular, I think that we have made the right decision to respond positively to the request of the GCA to sponsor this competition once again,” said McDonald.

According to McDonald, NBS is of the view that they must contribute towards the development of cricket in Guyana, not only to enhance the image of the country and the West Indies, but also assist with the molding of young persons who are in need of guidance.

“….We have to be careful in Guyana that we do not allow ourselves to go down the drain in terms of cricket talent and we must work together to ensure we rekindle the days of the type of enthusiasm we are accustomed to in the days of Clive Lloyd, Rohan Kanhai, Lance Gibbs and so many others.

“We welcome the opportunity and we at NBS are looking forward to the day when we see cricket as an event that brings all Guyanese together and call on all the elements in the cricket fraternity, to work together to ensure Guyana performs better in the field of cricket in the future and NBS is willing to support the development of cricket in Guyana,” said McDonald.

In his acceptance speech, Harper thanked NBS for continuing the partnership which began in 2012, saying that they saw and recognised the opportunity to further develop the talents of Guyanese youths through cricket.

“Cricket offers lots of important lifestyles and we hope to pass on the importance of discipline and working together, while at the same time improving healthy lifestyles amongst our youths, through the playing of this and all of our competitions at the various levels,” said Harper.

He said NBS sees the need to recognise the grassroots of cricket in Guyana, since players from outside of Georgetown compete with teams affiliated to the GCA – a strong testament on the good administration of cricket that is being done by the GCA.

Meanwhile, the GCA Competitions Committee Chairman Shaun Massiah informed that 16 teams including two-time defending champions Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and last year’s runners-up Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) would be doing battle for supremacy in this year’s tournament.

According to Massiah, the action is set to bowl off this weekend depending on the availability of grounds, with the teams being divided into two groups of eight each, from which the two top teams of each group will contest the semifinals and into the final.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc. cricket team reversed their fortunes last weekend to defeat Dora by 44 runs, while Uprising Stars took care of business when they faced Real South Stars, Young Achievers got the better of Coomacka’s Exodus and Muritaro’s Young Warriors beat Royal Champions.

Playing in the first game on Saturday at the Christianburg Community Centre ground in a Group A encounter, Bosai taking first strike hit 209 off their 20 overs, thanks to some solid scoring from Theodore Tappin who topscored with 56.

Devon Belle 49 and his brother Deon Belle with 41 contributed to Bosai’s total with only Patrick Cornelius who took 3 for 35 managing to bowl well for Dora, who in reply were bowled out for 165 in 16.4 overs.

Lawrence Rampersaud topscored with 43 and Cornelius returned to score 25, even as Wayne Bethune took 3 for 46, Tappin grabbed 2 for 19 and Deon Belle took 2 for 23 to hand Bosai the win.

On Sunday at the same venue Uprising Young Stars defeated Real South Stars by eight wickets with South Stars batting first and making 132 off 14.5 overs as Sheldon Bovell top-scored with 39 and Leonard Caleb got 27.

Bowling for Uprising Young Stars, Nion Morrison, Ewarth Adams and Jamar Gittens each took 2 wickets apiece while their team in reply made 136 for 2 in 11.3 overs with Dellon Allicock hitting a solid 50 and Nolbert Sansculotte 43, while Anthony Belle took 2 for 34.

In Group B matches played at the Maria Elizabeth ground on Sunday, Young Achievers met Coomacka Exodus, batted first and scored 150 for 8 off 18 overs, led by Ray Peters 35, Shurland Peters 33, Shane Charles 29 and Keshawn Jones 26.

Orwin Armstrong took 4 for 26 and Shawn Ettienne 3 for 25 for Coomacka Exodus, who in reply were bowled out for 111 in 13 overs, with Andrew Richmond 28 and Jeffrey Torres 21, leading their batting, while Joel Jones and Kishon Jones took 3 wickets each for 11 and 21 runs respectively.

In the other game, Muritaro Young Achievers batted first and scored 160 for 2 off their 15 overs, led by Dellon Jones’ 65 and Nick Estwick 56.

In reply, Royals Champions before a strong supportive crowd fell short and only reached 150 for 5 off their 15 overs, as Rodwell Peters hit a brilliant 81 and Victor Persaud 28. The top bowlers for the winners were Nick Estwick, Compton Campo and Orlando Williams who took a wicket each.

The competition continues this coming weekend with more matches at the Christianburg and Maria Elizabeth grounds.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - The day is almost here when several softball cricket teams from Florida, New York, Canada and Guyana face off in three days of competitive action when the Guyana Softball Cricket Association (GSCA) presents the 4th edition of the Guyana Softball Cricket Cup at venues around the capital city Friday October 31 and Saturday Nov 1 and organizers are working assiduously to ensure that all systems are in place for a qualitative tournament.

The teams will engage in a total of 36 preliminary games, 4 semi-finals and 2 finals on those two days on several grounds including the Police Ground on Eve Leary, Everest Ground, GCC Bourda, DCC Ground, Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, Gandhi Youth Organization and the Muslim Youth Organization Ground, Wolford Avenue. Matches will also be played on the Enmore and Enterprise Community Centre Ground ECD.

When the tournament commenced in 2011, Essequibo team, Cotton Field Wild Oats, emerged champions in the Open Category, while Regal Seniors copped the honours in the Master Category. The following year the Open Champions were NYSCL of New York and local team, Savage Masters finishing in the second place slot. Trophy Stall and New York Better Hope carted off the honours last year in the Open and Masters’ Category respectively.

Preceding champions are Inaugural Guyana Softball Cup (2011)—Cotton Field Wild Oats from Essequibo in the Open Category and Regal Seniors in the Master Category, while in 2012 the champions were NYSCL New York (Open), while Savage Masters carted off the spoils in the masters category. Trophy Stall and New York Better Hope are the defending champions.

The teams will be battling for improved incentives as the Men’s Open will attract a top cash prize of $1,000,000 and a trophy while the winners of the Master’s category take home $600,000 and a trophy while the runners up receive $150,000 and a trophy. The player of the match in final receives one trophy. There will be two players of the series and each will receive a $400,000 gold bracelet decorated with diamond studs from Steve’s Jewelry.

Meanwhile, the organizers have said that spectators will be a part of the action as there will be lots of hampers and giveaways at the various matches. Further, two spectators will win return tickets to the beautiful island of Aruba compliments of Survival Travel Agency. As such, patrons are asked to retain their ticket stubs to improve their chances of winning this luxurious prize. The organizers further intimated that expenses associated with the tournament have surpassed ten million dollars but they have managed to meet the demands through personal funds as well as the input of corporate chivalry. “On previous occasions we have managed to liquidate all expenses,” they said in a release. They are optimistic of emulating this feat for this edition of the tournament. “We are confident that the efforts of our hard working and dedicated members will ensure success of this tournament once again; our sponsors, present and past, are pivotally responsible for the success and future of the Guyana Softball Cup,” the release stated.

Organizers also intimated that monies accrued thus far have been plugged into developmental works at the DCC Ground, Queenstown including the installation of 6 permanent light towers. “The project is 90% completed and we hope to complete it before the start of our imminent tournament,” officials promised.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - National Under-17 batsman Sherfane Rutherford clobbered five sixes in an attacking 65 to spearhead Golden Grove to victory against Lusignan ‘B’ in the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) H Nauth & Sons Engineering Contractors & Petrol Station T20 cricket tournament which was played recently on the East Coast corridor.

At Better Hope Community Centre Ground, Better Hope ‘B’ beat LBI by 5 wickets.

LBI won the toss and made 103 runs all out from 18.1 overs with Shiv Jaikarran offering some resistance with 23. Bowling for Better Hope ‘B’ Jaiden Manna had 3-23 and Kevin Rampersaud 2-21.

Better Hope ‘B’ in reply 105 runs for 5 from 19 overs with Mustapha Azimulam hitting 37 and Roy Persaud making 31. Bowling for LBI, Alim Khan captured 3-25

At Lusignan CCG, Lusignan ‘A’ whipped Better Hope ‘A’ by 5 wickets.

Better Hope ‘A’ won the toss and batted first and made 114 runs all out from 19.4 overs with Azar Mohamed stroking two fours and two sixes before falling three short of his fifty. He got support from Rasheed Rohoman who made 19 and Sachin Singh who scored 18.

Bowling for Lusignan ‘A’, Kumar Bishundial took 3-10 while Emran Khan (2-4) and Rajendra Naikbaran (2-35) bowled well. Lusignan ‘A’ in reply made 115 for 5 off 18.4 overs with Shazam Ali making 44 not out, Kumar Bishundial an unbeaten 22 and National under-19 Captain Brian Sattaur 19. Bowling for Better Hope ‘A’, Sachin Singh took 2-8 and Rasheed Rohoman 2-16.

At Ogle CCG, Ogle ‘BLUE’ beat Mon Repos ‘B’ won by 8 wickets.

Mon Repos won the toss and batted first made 112 runs all out from 16.4 overs with Reyaz Zaman top-scoring with 34 and Ruel Fanrair supporting with 27.

Bowling for Ogle ‘Blue’ Arvinda Gainda had (3-5), Irfan Ali (4-24) and Anand Persaud (2-27). Ogle ‘Blue’ in reply made 115 for 2 from 19.3 overs with Soopaul Sanichar making 35 not out, Khemraj Dindyal scoring 49 and Irfan Ali hitting 20.

At Lusignan, Golden Grove beat Lusignan ‘B’ by 12 runs

Golden Grove won the toss and batted first and made 104 runs all out from 18 overs with Sherfane Rutherford clearing the boundary five times in 65. Bowling for Lusignan ‘B’ Rajpaul Gopaul had 2-10 and Keon Franklin 2-13.

Lusignan ‘B’ in reply made 93 from 20 overs with Siddhartha Anandjit top scoring with 22. Bowling for Golden Grove, Richard Woolford captured 3-8.

Meanwhile, in the ECCB Trophy 40-overs competition, Perseverance beat Unity/ Lancaster at Unity CCG to join Strathavon as the top teams from the Upper East Coast and now await the two top teams from Lower East Coast to contest the semi-finals and finals.

Unity/Lancaster won the toss and made 136 runs all out from 36 overs with Wazeer Mohamed 28 not out and Damian Waldron 26 leading the way.

Bowling for Perseverance, off-spinner Keon Francis had figures of 6.2-1-36-6 while Orlando Kirton supported with 2-40.  After rain delayed the start of Perseverance innings the Umpires gave them a revised target, setting them 122 runs from 36 overs. Perseverance reached their target in 35 overs for the loss of four wickets with Raphael making 33 and Dexter Solomon 31. Bowling for Unity/ Lancaster Kari Faurook took 2-29.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Transport Sports Club (TSC), Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO), Everest and Demerara Cricket Club registered victories when the latest round of matches in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Malta Supreme U-13 competition concluded on Sunday last.

TSC defeated Diplomats by 194 runs at YMCA. TSC batted first and scored 328-9 after 25 overs. Adrian Hinds led with 39 while Devon Allen and Joel Prostea made 11 and 10 respectively. Anthony Kumar grabbed 2-26. Diplomats suffered 19 dismissals in scoring 134 in reply. Kumar made 19, Al Feroze Zakir 14, Nicholas Williams 13 and Joshua Campbell 11. Ronaldo Fredericks captured 5-3, Jamal Michael 3-22, Ryan Latiff 2-6 and Riyad Latiff 2-7.

GYO thumped Bel Air Rubis by 60 runs. GYO rattled up 247, taking first turn at the crease before restricting Bel Air Rubis for 187.

At GNIC, Everest beat Bel Air Rubis by 90 runs. Bel Air managed 185 off their allotted 25 overs, but suffered 13 dismissals, batting first. Vikash Jaikarran snared 3-7, Yeudistir Persaud 3-14 and Sachin Bhola 2-14. Everest responded with 275-3 in 25 overs. Shivnanan Gosain took 2-11.

Diplomats went down to Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) by 208 runs. Diplomats were limited to 69 after their batsmen were dismissed 24 times, taking first strike. Ntini Permaul stroked 17; Nikosie Beaton bagged 5-1, Adrian Hackett grabbed 5-6, D. Mootoo 3-4 and Dorian Thomas 3-21. DCC replied with 277-8 in 25 overs. Thomas scored 13; Deonte Luke claimed 2-15, Treyjohn Prince 2-19 and Wendell Dover 2-17.

Special rules have been applied for this format for the youngsters, including teams being represented by five pairs, batsmen having unlimited lives batting for five overs and 10 runs being deducted for each dismissal along with each team starting with 200 runs.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Guyana and West Indies youth cricketer Shimron Hetmyer is the newest sports personality to join the Banks DIH Limited Sports Brand Ambassador Programme.

The prolific 17-year-old left-handed opener was inducted into the programme at a ceremony held October 13 last at Thirst Park and will be the Brand Ambassador for Banks DIH’s Aqua Mist Water, pure artesian water.

The former Berbice High School student who hails from Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice has represented Guyana at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and senior levels respectively, making his debut in the latter at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence against Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year.

He was named in the West Indies Under-19 team for the Bangladesh Junior team tour of the Caribbean last year and travelled with the WI Junior Team to the United Arab Emirates earlier this year for the youth World Cup.

The aggressive opener, who can also deputise as a wicketkeeper, has scored several centuries in his career, the first (118) at the age of 13 years in the Berbice Under-19 Inter-Zone competition and also chalked up against Windward Islands, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago in regional competition.

He is a member of the Young Warriors Cricket Club in Berbice and when informed of being chosen as the Aqua Mist Water Sports Brand Ambassador by Banks DIH Limited, expressed elation at the news.

His father Gladstone Hetmyer also expressed gratitude and praised the company for investing in Shimron’s cricketing development.

“I know he has the potential to be an outstanding cricketer and I would like to thanks Mr Clifford Reis, Chairman and the management of the company for showing the confidence in him,” he added.

Communications Manager Troy Peters said Banks DIH Limited has been following Hetmyer’s career and decided to select him to the Brand Ambassador’s Programme. He is the seventh Brand Ambassador named by the company.

Peters offered congratulations to the young cricketer and encouraged him to remain disciplined and dedicated in his cricketing career.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - National wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble dominated Albion Community Centre Cricket Club’s batting show last weekend, when action in the 2014 Berbice Cricket Board/Carib Beer first division T20 cricket competition continued with three Zone C (Corentyne) matches.

In Albion’s first match of their double-header last Sunday, they faced Port Mourant Cricket Club and opting to bat first scored 147 all out off 19.5 overs, with Bramble who opened their batting hitting seven fours and two sixes in the topscore of 54.

Left-arm spinner Bisham Deolall took 4 for 17 and Yudendra Harrinarine 2 for 25 for Port Mourant who in reply, found the going tough against the all-spin Albion attack on a spinners-friendly wicket and could muster only 69 for 9 in 20 overs, as Shiraz Ramcharran, Jonathan Foo and Veerapen Permaul took two wickets each.

In their second match of the day, this time against Skeldon Community Centre, Bramble again dominated, hitting an unbeaten 82 (7×4, 4×6), which together with Berbice opener Kandasammy Surujnarine saw him add 103 for the first wicket, and 78 for the third with Foo, as Albion rattled up 208 for 3.

Of that score, Surujnarine made 24 and Foo 68 which included five fours and four sixes, before the home team bundled out Skeldon for 82 in 13 overs, In reply, Skeldon CC were bundled out for a meagre 82 in 13 overs in reply.

Tameshwar Ramoutar topscored with 22, as Veerasammy Permaul took 2 for 0 from 5 balls, Gudakesh Motie 2 for 19 and Veerapen Permaul 2 for 28 from 4 overs for the victorious Albion lineup.

In the other match of the day, GuyTrac Upper Corentyne off-spinner Lakeram Latchman took 4 for 17 from 2 overs in Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets’ 95 for 7 made in the 12 allotted overs.

Delbert Hicks topscored with 41 and Royston Crandon supported with 26 for RHTGG, even as medium pacer Lakeram Roopchand supported Latchman with 2 for 24, bowling for GuyTrac Upper Corentyne who replied with 65 for 6 in 12 overs. Keon Sinclair took 2 for 8.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Barbados Nation article.

Bridgetown, Barbados - Ramnaresh Sarwan is far from washed up and can still feature in future West Indies’ Test teams.

That’s the belief of Gus Logie, who last week drafted the stylish out-of-favour Guyana and West Indies middle order batsman into the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force side for the upcoming Professional Cricket League (PCL) in the Caribbean.

“I believe so. You never say never. At 34 years old, once you are hungry enough. Once you are willing to put the work in, I have no doubt his talent will come to the fore once again,” Logie said when asked in an interview following last Monday’s draft at the Accra Beach Hotel whether Sarwan can force his way back in the regional team.

“Once he produces the scores, I think it is up to the West Indies selectors to give him an opportunity but at this point in time, I think he knows he is going to be here and he will want prove his critics wrong,” noted Logie, who will coach the Red Force when the PCL bowls off on November 14 with the first round of four-day first-class matches.

“I am looking forward to that motivation for him to come out there and prove everybody wrong that he’s quality player and that he can produce the goods at the highest level,” added Logie.

The former West Indies batsman and coach also hinted that Sarwan would provide leadership to the team in terms of his experience as a captain of many teams.

“He has captained national and county teams. He comes with a wealth of experience [but] I think his general work ethic is what we are looking for him bringing and I am certain the players will warm to him.”

Logie also reckons that Sarwan could be the catalyst for Trinidadian spectators returning to watch regional cricket.

“Apart from that, you look at even the commercial side of it. Having Sarwan in a country like Trinidad, where there is so much support for Guyana cricket and for Guyanese players of that sort, I think it will be a great fillip for the people to come out and see someone of his class play for Trinidad and Tobago,” noted Logie.

Logie said Barbadian fast bowler Fidel Edwards, who wasn’t drafted by any of the six franchise teams, was also considered for selection.

“I was also tempted to pick Fidel Edwards because Fidel again brings to the table the experience. I think what we want is players who have proven records at that level and I think people like Fidel and Sarwan have proven records at that level.

“But I think the negating factor was that we still have a lot of players available to us, especially our seam attack in a play-for-pay situation. We have [Ravi] Rampaul, Kevon Cooper, so that makes it a little bit more difficult,” Logie said.

Meanwhile, Logie confessed he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of coaching the West Indies team again.

“Well, you never say never but I think that my focus right now is to make sure the Trinidad and Tobago franchise benefits from my experience and my expertise and the players themselves respond in a more positive way,” he said.

But Logie said he has not applied for the West Indies’ head coach job, vacated by the departure of Ottis Gibson.

“I have to talk to my agent and my family first,” Logie said with a laugh. “Well, like everything else, if you are a coach, you aspire. Just like you tell players, you want them to aspire to play for the West Indies when they do their national duties, as coaches, we want to aspire to coach at the highest level and to also bring a level of success, and expertise to whatever position it is.

“Some of us have been there and we’ve done that but at the end of the day, if the opportunity does present itself again, I will just take it in stride,” Logie said.

Logie, who coached the regional team to the Champions Trophy title in England in 2004 but quit soon afterward, said he has put that issue behind him.

“Like everything else in life, you have ups and downs. You win some, you lose some. I think I’ve had a good run like everybody else.

“Even after the Champions Trophy, if I was involved with the West Indies, I wouldn’t have gone to Bermuda and achieved what I did with some of the Bermudian players and the Bermudan cricket landscape. You leave legacies wherever you go. It’s been good so if the time comes again to come back, that’s how it is,” he said.

First Published In The Barbados Nation.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Impressed by what transpired during the finals of the 2013 tournament, businessman Heralall Narine has aligned himself with this year’s edition of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) marquee tournament dubbed ‘Guyana Softball Cup 4’ through the Croxley Copier paper and his entity WJ Enterprise.

During a simple ceremony at his business location on Regent Street yesterday, Narine presented a cheque for an undisclosed amount to Surendra Nauth of the GFSCA to assist with expenses associated with the hosting of the tournament which runs from October 31 to November 2.

On hand to witness the symbolic handing over ceremony were vice-president of the GFSCA, Ricky Deonarine, and secretary Lalta Gainda.

Narine, in brief remarks, said he was enthused by the success of last year’s competition and the impact the tournament has on the tourism sector, while he lauded the GFSCA for including foreign teams, noting that it will lift the standard of the competition.

Nauth expressed gratitude to Narine for coming onboard, noting that sponsorship is critical to the success of a tournament of the magnitude of the Guyana Softball Cup.

Deonarine said all plans are falling into place for the country’s premier softball tournament, adding that the GFSCA welcomes the addition of WJ Enterprise to its list of sponsors.

SUCCESS STORY

The Guyana Softball Cup commenced in 2011 and instantly became a hit with players and fans alike, attracting massive crowds and also putting some hard-earned cash in the pockets of those who entertain with bat and ball on the field.

This year promises to be even better, as the GFSCA is aiming to surpass the achievements of the previous three years in terms of spectators’ involvement and the handsome rewards at stake for the players.

As was the case in previous editions of the tournament, there will be two categories – one for teams contesting the Men’s Open and the other for the Masters, aged 45 and over.

The champion team in the Men’s Open are guaranteed a whopping $800 000 first prize and a huge trophy, while the losing finalists will have to settle for $200 000 and a trophy. In the Masters division, the winning team will pocket $600 000 with the runners-up assured of $150 000. The Man-of-the-Match in both finals will receive a trophy.

As has been the case in the past, the Most Valuable Player of each category will become the proud owner of a softball bracelet, made of gold and diamond studs, compliments of Steve’s Jewellery.

On the day of the final, there will be lots of hampers and giveaways for spectators and additionally, two spectators can win return tickets from Survival Travel Agency to the beautiful island of Aruba.

All the spectators need to do is to retain their half-tickets and listen for their numbers to be called over the public address system during the final.

Two dozen teams will compete in this year’s event, with 12 from Guyana, seven from New York, three from Florida and two from Canada. During the three-day championship, there will be a total of 36 preliminary games, followed by four semi-finals and two finals.

In an effort to expand the reach of the competition and ensure maximum participation from spectators, the organisers have increased the number of venues this year.

Grounds earmarked to host games are Police Sports Club, Everest Cricket Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, Demerara Cricket Club, Gandhi Youth Organisation, Muslim Youth Organisation, Enmore Community Centre and Enterprise Busta Sports Club.

Trophy Stall and New York Better Hope are the defending champions of the Open and Masters categories respectively, while the previous champions were NYSCL New York (Open) and Savage Masters in 2012 and Cotton Field Wild Oats (Open) and Regal Seniors (Masters) in 2011.

According to information emanating from the GFSCA, this year’s tournament has an estimated budget of around $10 million.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - The picturesque Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, Essequibo Coast, came alive on Sunday last when home team Invaders Masters edged Tiger Sports of Enmore by the thin margin of three runs in a feature hardball match.

Batting first, Invaders Masters managed 169-8 from the allotted 25 overs, before Tiger Sports came agonisingly close, ending on 166-4 when the overs expired.

K Bacchus topscored for Invaders Masters with a match-high 62, with support from Balbadar, who stroked 36. Bowling for Tiger Sports, left-arm spinner Bashur Khan had 4-26 from five overs, while off-spinner Eon Abel picked up 2-24, also from five overs.

Tiger Sports were given a rousing start by openers Abel and former national Under-15 opener Javed Mohamed, who posted 71 for the first wicket in quick time. Abel made 46 and Mohamed 22, but once both were dismissed, only captain and former national wicketkeeper/batsman Sheik Mohamed put up a resistance with a classy 52 not out.

The diminutive left-hander rolled back the years, striking seven fours, but his effort proved in vain as Tiger Sports came up short in the end.

At the presentation ceremony, Abel was adjudged Man-of-the-Match, while Khan was named Best Bowler and Bacchus Best Batsman. Both teams also received trophies, all of which were sponsored by Tiger Sports.

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - A third consecutive half-century from Guyana wicketkeeper/batsman Anthony Bramble powered Albion Community Centre into the playoffs of the 2014 Carib Beer First Division 20/20 cricket competition in Berbice.

In their Corentyne zone preliminary match, the first of a double-header at Number 69 on Sunday, Omesh Kumar slammed 51 to steer Guytrac Upper Corentyne to 131-8 in their 20 overs against Albion. West Indies Under-19 left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie took 3-11 from four overs.

Bramble then got into action, blasting 77 not out (8x4s, 3x6s) to lead Albion to an easy six-wicket victory with four overs to spare to give them three wins out of three matches with just one match left and assurance of a spot in the last six playoffs.

On Saturday, Bramble had scores of 54 against Port Mourant and 82 not out against Skeldon Community Centre. He has therefore, tallied 213 runs from three matches at an average of 213.

In the same zone, Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets also registered a third consecutive victory to give themselves a place in the playoffs. Spearheading them in their victory against Skeldon Community Centre was medium-pacer Simion Lawson, who picked up 4-11 from four overs to bowl out Skeldon for 85 in 18.2 overs. Rose Hall then went on to win by seven wickets.

In the second match of the Guytrac Upper Corentyne double-header, Guytrac Upper Corentyne and Port Mourant played to a tie and went on to a Super Over which Port Mourant easily won.

Below are the summarised scores from the games played.

At Number 69: Albion Community Centre beat Guytrac Upper Corentyne by six wickets. Guytrac Upper Corentyne 131-8 in 20 overs (Omesh Kumar 51, Fiaz Mohamed 25, Victor Pedro 22, Gudakesh Motie 3-11) Albion Community Centre 132-4 from 16 overs (Anthony Bramble 77*, Narsingh Deonarine 21, Omesh Kumar 2-25).

At Skeldon: Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets beat Skeldon Community Centre by seven wickets. Skeldon Community Centre 85 in 18.2 overs (Simion Lawson 4-11, Keon Sinclair 2-10, Clinton Pestano 2-21) Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets 90-3 in 16.1 overs (Delbert Hicks 20, Ashkay Homraj 20*, Parmanand Narine 2-19).

At Number 69: The match between Guytrac Upper Corentyne and Port Mourant ended in a tie. Upper Corentyne 113-7 in 20 overs (Latchman Roopchand 40, Lakeram Latchman 26, Avinash Wajib 2-23) Port Mourant 113-7 in 20 overs (Devindra Thakoordeen 39, Loyydel Lewis 30, Victor Pedro 2-18). In the Super Over, Port Mourant emerged the winner, scoring 16 runs and then restricting Upper Corentyne to just four.

First Published In The Guyana Times.