Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - The national senior cricketers will resume training today after a two-day break with the aim of working on their skills and sustaining their fitness ahead of the inaugural Professional Cricket League’s (PCL), Regional four-day tournament which is set to commence on November 14.

Ten of the retained players along with players, who were identified for the “Pay for Play” option and West Indies star batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, ended the first phase of preparations on Tuesday when they broke camp for the Diwali holiday.

Prior to the break, the cricketers underwent a rigorous two-day fitness training programme.

Head Coach Esaun Crandon was elated after observing the attitude of the players during the first phase, which he felt raised the fitness standard of the cricketers.

“The players’ attitude towards such an intense period of physical training was exceptional and very professional,” Crandon told Guyana Times Sport.

However, he indicated that during this phase of preparation the coaching staff will work on the technical areas of the players. This phase will run until January.

The cricketers will also be involved in two practice matches as part of their preparations. The first four-day practice match commences on October 27-30 while the second is scheduled for November 4-7.

Assad Fudadin and Devendra Bishoo (West Indies A team duty), Barbadian Raymond Reifer, Leon Johnson and Veerasammy Permaul were absent from the first phase of preparation.

However, both Johnson, who returned from India after the West Indies aborted the tour, due to financial remuneration and Permaul, who was absent due to personal reason, are expected to join the squad. Reifer is expected to join the squad by month-end.

The Regional four-day will be played on a home and away basis over 10 rounds from November 14 to March 23, 2015.

The league format tournament will commence with three matches in the opening round from November 14 to 17 in Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana. Each round will consist of three matches.

Each team will play 10 matches, five at home and five away.

The WICB Professional Cricket League comprises the Regional four-day tournament and the NAGICO Super50 Tournament which will be played in January 2015.

Guyana Jaguars will play their first three games at home, Leeward Islands Franchise from November 14-17, Windward Islands Volcanoes from November 21-24 and Barbados Franchise from November 28. All three matches will be played at the National Stadium.

The retained players are: Veerasammy Permaul, Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Ronsford Beaton, Narsingh Deonarine, Trevon Griffith, Leon Johnson, Assad Fudadin and Devendra Bishoo. The five the drafted players are: Keon Joseph, Rajendra Chandrika, Paul Wintz, Vishaul Singh and Raymod Reifer.

Other players eligible for selection under “Pay for Play” are: Zaheer Mohamed, Raun Johnson, Anthony Adams, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Amir Khan, Shimron Hetmyer, Steven Jacobs, Kemo Paul, Kevon Boodie, Gudakesh Motie, Ricardo Adams, Jason Sinclair, Kemol Savory, Jonathan Foo, Royston Crandon, Raj Nanan, Kandasammy Surujnarine, and Rajiv Ivan.

WICB contracted player Shivnarine Chanderpaul is an automatic pick to the squad.

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Ricardo Peters stroked a fine century as Rising Star overcame Top Shattas by 11 runs to win the Cricket for Unity title played recently at Pomona on the Essequibo Coast.

Peters struck five fours and six sixes in scoring 102 off 69 balls as Rising Star amassed 190-4 off their allotted 20 overs, batting first.

Jagdesh Dindyal stroked 42 including four fours and two sixes, while Rovin Dusraj chipped in with 20 not out (3×4). Osbert Thomas claimed 2-19 from four overs while Sherwin Abrams and Javed Azeez had one each.

Top Shattas threatened somewhat but were restricted for 180-7 in 20 overs in reply. Chandy Jairam led the chase with 56 (5×4,4×6), Azeez scored 39 (2×4,2×6) and Sher Khan 29 (1×4,1×6). Ravindra Narine snared 3-19 off four overs and Rovin Dusraj 3-21 from four. Jaguars SC took third place.

The competition was organized by Coach Andy Ramnarine and was played on a round robin involving four teams. Jaguars Sport Club took third place.

Both teams received trophies and a cash prizes. Speaking after the final, Ramnarine expressed gratitude to the players and supporters for making the event a success and said it will be played annually.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Cotton Tree Die Hard defeated Monedderlust of No 5, West Berbice by 190 runs in their final Zone B preliminary match of the 2014 New Building Society Second Division 40 Over Cricket Competition in Berbice to end unbeaten and clear winner of that Zone, thus advancing to the last 16 playoffs.

Leading them to their big win were, firstly, Iswar Singh who slammed 62 (7 fours and 2 sixes), Permaul Singh with 57 (4 four and 4 sixes) and Abdul Subhan with 42 which helped them post 320 for 9 in 35 overs, their second score over 300 runs, having scored 316 for 6 in 35 overs against D’Edward Warriors. Chesney however holds the record for the highest score in an innings so far in this year’s competition with 321 for 6 in 35 overs against Jai Hind. When Monedderlust replied, Cotton Tree off spinner Romesh Boodram took 5 for 25 from 6.4 to bowl them out for 130.

Despite pacer Jermaine Henry taking 4 for 11 and former Guyana cricketer Hubern Evans scoring 53, both for defending champions Young Warriors, Police defeated them to end their preliminary Zone E match unbeaten and on top to earn a place in the playoffs.

Vishal Mohabir slammed 80 (7 fours and 5 sixes) to steer Young and Restless of Reliance Abandon to a 136 run win over Reliance Strykers.

After No 43 Scorpion did well to bowl out No 55 Mayflower for 98, in their reply, they were skittled out for 77 compliments off No 55 opening pacer Mahadeo Anand who took 6 for 10 from 5 overs. Off spinner Ramnarine Jugisteer took 5 for 25 for Betsy Ground Triple Star in their victory over Canefield.Summarized scores:

At cotton Tree, Cotton Tree Die Hard beat Monedderlust by 190 runs. Cotton Tree 320 for 9 in 35 overs with Iswar Singh 62, Permaul Singh 57, Abdul Subhan 42, Tage Singh 39 and Pooran Persaud 39. Oswald Benjamin took 4 for 35. Monedderlust in reply 130 all out in 35 overs. Romesh Boodram took 5 for 25.

At Vryman’s Erven, Police 146 in 30 overs with Kwesi Mickle 45, Mark Barker 31. Jermaine Henry took 4 for 11, Ishwar Singh 2 for 30 and Hubern Evans 2 for 32. Young Warriors 120 in 32.5 overs with Hubern Evans 52. Keviin Sinclair 3 for 11, Michael Campbell 3 for 29 and Wayne Richards 2 for 30.

At Gangaram, Young and Restless beat Reliance Young Strykers by 136 runs. Young and Restless 213 in 31 overs with Vishal Mohabir 80, Sasenarine Sukhdeo 26. Randy Jaggernauth 4 for 21, Mark Persaud 2 for 28 and Azaad Hamid 2 for 36. Reliance Young Strykers 77 in 16 overs with Dhanesh Gopaul 4 for 14 and Keishar Gangaram 2 for 20.

At No 43, No 55 Mayflower beat No 43 Scorpions by 21 runs. No 55 Mayflower 98 in 19 overs with Changur Persaud 3 for 17, Farouk Drepaul 3 for 26. No 43 Scorpions 77 in 18 overs with Mahadeo Anand 6 for 10 and Ramnarine Appiah 2 for 17.

At Cumberland, Betsy Ground Triple Star beat Canefield by 6 wickets. Canefield 118 in 31.2 overs with Devendra Sunthgolam 30. Ramnarine Jugisteer 5 for 25 and Outram Emamdin 3 for 25. Betsy Ground Triple Star 119 for 4 in 18.3 overs with Kishan Sobhai 31 and Wahmeshwar Sobhai 28.

At Gangaram, Gangaram Strykers beat Rose Hall Community Center by 7 wickets. RHCC 68 in 20.3 overs with Anil Sarjudas 25. Faurdeen Kassim 4 for 12, Bharat 3 for 16 and Alex Dhanai 2 for 16. Gangaram Strykers 69 for 3 in 13.3 overs with Vinod Barran 29 no. Keon Isaacs 2 for 27.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Wayne Jones hammered 102 in latest play of the Ramchand/Rohan Auto Spares cricket competition played last weekend. In results from the matches:

Wellman def. Savage Masters by 54 runs. Wellman 247 for 4 off 20 overs. Grieg De France 80, Shawn Massiah 51, Lloyd Samlall 50 not out. Wallack Joseph 2 for 43. Savage 198 all out in reply. Wallack Joseph 36, Herbie Jentle 26. Nandram Samlall 4 for 30, Motilall Chumandat 2 for 24, Mike Singh 2 for 40.

Floodlight def. Savage Masters by 17 runs. Floodlight 214 for 5 off 20 overs. Wayne Jones 102 (9X6) (3X4), Lalta Gainda 51 (4X6) (2X4). Falim Mohamed 2 for 28. Herbie Gentle 2 for 26. Savage 197 for 6 off 20 overs. Nadir Baksh 51 (5X6), (3X4), F. Mohamed 34. Imtiaz Mohamed 2 for 37. W. Jones 2 for 14.

Bel Air Rubis def. Regal Masters by 2 wickets. Regal 183 for 6 off 20 overs. Linden Lyght 60, W. Bryne 37. Yusuf Mohamed 3 for 31. Rubis 186 for 9 in 19.4 overs. S. Budhu 67, Faizal Ali 23. Jaga Bhoj 2 for 40.

Uprisers def. Princess Hotel by 7 wickets. Princess Hotel 99 all out. D. Budhan 20. Dharam Persaud 4 for 16. Andrew Williams 3 for 32. Uprisers 100 for 3. Harrinarine Dilchan 41, Yoodhanlall Sulthlall 27 not out.

Young Guns def. Warriors X1 by 6 wickets. Warriors 155 all out in 18.5 overs. Manodev Badrie 29, Navin Heeralall 33. Kevin Trap 4 for 13, Shalim Hanif 3 for 23. Young Guns 158 for 4. K. Trap 62.

Karibee Strikers def. Blue Divas by 3 wickets. Blue Divas 91 for 5 off 10 overs. Paula 26. S. Gajnabi 2 for 13. Karibee 92 for 7 in 8.2 overs. Kanata Mentore 32.

Trophy Stall Angels def. Sleepin Warriors by 81 runs. Trophy Stall 145 for 3 in 10 overs. June Ogle 39, Roxanne DeMonick 39, Odesa Oniel 38. Sleepin 64 all out. Nichola Leacock 2 for 7. Janelle Nero 2 for 8.

Karibee Strikers def. Wellwoman by 4 runs. Karibee 96 for 4 in 10 overs. Katana Mentore 36, Tessa Park 22. Latoya Smith 3 for 11. Wellwoman 92 for 6 in 10 overs. Haseena Mohamed 28. Deonne Frank 2 for 21.

Farm def. Herstelling by 110 runs. Farm 171 all out in 18.4 overs. Kishan Kumar 33 not out, Ameer Azeez 25. Sadiq Yusuf 5 for 33, Jurmin Ramroop 3 for 27. Herstelling 61 all out. Patrick Khan 7 for 10. Avinash Sookdeo 2 for 20.

Slingers def. Frontliners by 45 runs. Slingers 190 for 5 off 20 overs. Mohamed Rafeek 83, Danny Mohanram 40, Rudy Rodrigues 23. H. Narine 2 for 41. Frontliners 145 all out. H. Persaud 47, H. Narine 21. Ryan Singh 3 for 14, Rudy Rodrigues 2 for 26.

Parika Defenders def. Industry Super Kings by 12 runs. Defenders 166 for 7 off 20 overs. Oswald Black 30, Sheik Mohamed 29. David Harper 2 for 19, Jagdesh Persaud 2 for 24. Industry 154 all out in 18.4 overs. David Harper 31, J. Persaud 29, Ishwar Persaud 21. M.F.K. Saffie 4 for 16.

Action continues at the DCC ground tonight. Pitch 1: 6:30pm-Floodlight vs Wellman. Pitch 2: 6:30pm-Regal vs Uprisers.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Supreme and Parika Salem emerged victorious when the Mohamed Memorial 40-over tournament continued Sunday last on the East Bank of Essequibo.

At Zeelugt, Supreme defeated the hosts by 43 runs. Supreme batted first and scored 183 before they were bowled out in 31.1 overs. Basheer Azeez stroked 106 and Ricardo Adams supported with 24. A. Bissessar snared 4-45 and G. Rampersaud 3-30. Zeelugt were bowled out for 140 in 24.2 overs. O. Shakur made 47 not out, while extras contributed 39. Safraz Ally grabbed 3-24 and Rajiv Balgobin 3-37.

At Vergenoegen, Parika Salem overcame Hyde Park by eight wickets. Batting first, Hyde Park managed 141 all out in 34.1 overs. Lennox Andrews scored 47 and Hashim Mohamed 20. Edwin Burnette grabbed 4-37 and Jimol Marks 2-15. Parika Salem responded with 142-2 in 19.1 overs. Kevon Boodie slammed 42 and Sase Narine 36. Inshan Mohamed took 1-47.

Meanwhile, Hyde Park got the better of Philadelphia by 80 runs on Saturday at Vergenoegen. Hyde Park took first strike and scored 199 all out in 25.3 overs. Safraz Karim cracked 61, Travis Drakes 46 and Lennox Andrews 35. S. Rajkumar claimed 3-18 and T. Ramnarine 2-32. Philadelphia were skittled for 119 in 29.3 overs in reply. Ramnarine scored 35 and Gowkarran Debi 35; Imtiaz Sadiq picked up 2-12 and Ashmin Mohamed 2-30. The game was reduced to 30 overs.

The competition continues on Sunday with semi-final action. Parika Salem will face Zeelugt at Vergenoegen and Hyde Park play Supreme at Parika.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) will host Police in the first semi-final of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day competition, starting tomorrow.

A keen contest is anticipated and the DCC pitch is likely to favour the batsmen; a high scoring encounter is expected since both teams have powerful batting line ups. Sherfene Rutherford, Ronaldo Renee, Tevin Imlach, Andrew Gibson, Kemol Savory and Raymond Perez will lead the home team in this area, while Ashmead Nedd, Dennis Squires and Lynden Lyght are likely to lead their bowling.

Police will depend heavily on Troy Benn, Sheldon Agard, Rawle Enmore and Shawn McPherson to post a sizeable total. A lot will depend on off-spinner Kelvin Leitch to restrict the opposition with support from Vishal Jaigobin, Benn and the lively Darson La Rose.

Action gets underway at 10:30 hrs and the umpires are Edward Bowen and Clyde Layne with Randolph Rose as stand by.

In the New Building Society second division 40-over tomorrow at 10:30hrs, Everest will play Third Class at Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) with Reginald Grant and Heuvel Cunha umpiring; Malteenoes SC (MSC) will host Sophia under the watchful eyes of Ernest Hinds and Linden Matthews. On Sunday at 10:30 hrs, MYO will entertain GYO with Reginald Grant and Joseph Jeffery officiating, and the MSC at home to Diplomats, with Mario Nicholls and Nolan Hawke in charge.

In the Hadi’s World City Mall Inc first division two-day which starts tomorrow, the Guyana Defence Force will oppose Police; Matthew Kissoon and Ryan Banwarie are the umpires and Transport SC travel to Everest, with Hortence Isaacs and Cyril Garnath doing on field duties. Both matches commence at 09:30 hrs.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Play-off action in this year’s Berbice Cricket Board-organised, Ansa McAl Carib Beer-sponsored first division T20 cricket competition, gets under way today with two matches set for today and the other for tomorrow, with action on both days commencing at 13:30hrs.

In today’s contest, West Berbice and Universal Solutions Bermine will collide at Bush Lot with Joseph Simon and Moses Ramphal calling play while Young Warriors and Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets will do battle at Cumberland, under the guidance of Dhieranidranauth Somwaru and Clement Brusche.

Tomorrow’s matchup will be held at the Albion Sports Club ground and pits the home team against D’Edward, with Omadat Samaroo and Imran Moakan calling play.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Mosiah Yellow defeated the Queenstown Jama Masjid (QJM) team in the final of the Latter Day Saints Premier League T20 tournament which was played at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) ground at Woolford Avenue on Diwali Day.

QJM captain Aslam Baksh called correctly at the toss and asked MOY to bat first and they posted 128 all out off 19.3 overs, led by Alvin Persaud who top-scored with a run-a-ball 31 (2×6, 2×4).

Persaud and his skipper Daniel Barker who made 17, along with Avinash Pitamber 12, were instrumental in turning the tables on QJM, who were led by a solid bowling performance from Javid Kayume who took 4 for 26 and Majid Khan, 2 for 20.

QJM responded with aggression for the first five overs, but as wickets began to tumble, so did their hopes and they faded away for 120 off 19 overs, with only Paul Shivram 31 (4×6, 1×4) and Azhar Khan 18 offering resistance to the bowling of Persaud who took 3 for 18 and Barker, 3 for 21.

At the Awards ceremony which followed, Alvin Persaud of MOY was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match, his teammate Safraz Esau copped the Man-of-the-Tournament award while Wazir Hussain 184 (121 balls, 19×6, 6×4) of Moroni Orange was awarded the prize for the most runs in the tournament and Ajay Seepaul, 15 wickets at 4.52 – the Most Wickets award.

Aaron Sewpersaud was adjudged the Most Promising Young Player and Aaron Bacchus (9 years old) was awarded the Youth with Heart prize.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Golden Grove Cricket Club and Lusignan Sports Club ‘A’ have qualified for the finals of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) sponsored H Nauth and Sons Civil Engineering Contractors and Petrol Station T20 tournament, after winning their respective semi-final match-up played recently at the Strathavon Community Centre ground.

Played in front a capacity crowd in one of the best organized tournament, Golden Grove Cricket Club edged Perseverance Cricket Club by 19 runs, while Lusignan Sports Club ‘A’ defeated Strathavon Cricket Club by five wickets.

See below summarised scores from the two semi-finals:

Golden Grove Cricket Club 170-9 in 20 overs. (Terrence King 55, Sherfane Rutherford 40, Keon Francis 5-20). Perseverance Cricket Club 152-9 in 20 overs (Ovid Richardson 30, Ronole Bourne 25).

Strathavon Cricket Club 92-9 in 20 overs (Randy Budhu 38, Gobindram Hemraj 21, Imran Khan 2-13, Brian Sattaur 2-15). Lusignan Sports Club (A) 93-5 in 16.2 overs (Vishnu Ramjeet 24, Sumnauth Bharrat 20, Steven Singh 2-7, Jermain Tindal 2-12).

Meanwhile, President of the ECCB, Bissoondyal Singh said a date and venue of the final will be announced shortly.

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - In a clear demonstration of living up to its social and corporate responsibility, Tiger Sports on Sunday last presented a quantity of cricket gear to members of the Cotton Tree Die Hard Sports Club prior to the start of a feature cricket match between the two sides.

Tiger Sports, located at Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara, is owned and operated by Sheik Mohamed, the former national wicketkeeper/batsman and former senior national selector.

Mohamed’s son, former national Under-15 opener Fawaz Mohamed, made the presentation to members of the Cotton Tree Die Hard team, who were more than happy to receive the gear. The donation included two sets of stumps and bails and wicket keeping pads and gloves.

S Mohamed said while Tiger Sports is a business, it is also cognisant of its obligations, one of which is give back to the society in which it serves. The cricketer/businessman said his establishment was pleased to support the work of the Cotton Tree Die Hard team, noting that they have made similar donations to other clubs in the past.

 Responding on behalf of Cotton Tree Die Hard was skipper Roshan Gafoor, who said his boys welcome the donation. He promised to make maximum use of the equipment, noting that the youngsters of the club will be the main beneficiaries.

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) is set to host the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) in a feature 50-over cricket match at the No. 69 Vikings Cricket Ground tomorrow.

The event, which is expected to feature a number of big name players including former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, will be used as a fundraiser for the UCCA and will also provide cricket lovers in the Upper Corentyne area an opportunity to see some of the country’s national players in action.

The GCC team apart from Sarwan is expected to include a number of national players the like of Robin Bacchus, Vishal Singh and Leon Johnson proving they are available.

The UCCA team will be playing as the UCCA President’s XI selected squad and will feature players such as Sewnarine Chattergoon, Imran Khan, Seon Hetmyer, Shawn Perreira, Kevin Ramdeen, Akshay Homraj and Ishwar Singh as special selected players to join the Upper Corentyne team. Players selected from Upper Corentyne are Lakeram Latchman, Omesh Khemraj, Victor Pedro, Omesh Kumar, Imran Mohamed and Roopchand Latchman.

A capacity crowd is expected to fill the venue for what is expected to be a keenly contested affair.

Admission for adults is easy, while children under 12 yrs will be admitted free.  All proceeds from this event will go towards cricket development in the Upper Corentyne area.

The UCCA is urging cricket lovers come out in their numbers and help a worthy cause. 

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Head coach of the Guyana senior cricket team, Esaun Crandon, believes preparations ahead of the inaugural Professional Cricket League’s (PCL), Regional four-day tournament which is set to commence on November 14 are progressing well.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport in the midst of a mid-morning net session at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, the former First-Class fast bowler said he is satisfied with progress made so far.

He pointed out that much more needs to be done in the coming weeks to ensure the players reach peak condition.

This is the second phase of preparation which started on Friday and will last until Sunday.

Crandon acknowledged that he has already seen signs of improvement from the players.

“Yes definitely things have been going well and I’m satisfied with the progress we have made so far,” Crandon said.

He added, “From the first day of the fitness sessions to now, there has been improvements and I think we can only get better as the tournament draws closer. We have a great bunch of guys at the moment and we’re doing all we can to ensure they get in top condition for the tournament.”

While fitness has been brought into sharp focus, Crandon is also keen on ensuring there is “camaraderie” among the players, and as such, will be using the two warm-up games to get the players to understand their roles and functions.

The first practice game commences on October 27-30 while the second is scheduled for November 4-7.

The Regional four-day will be played on a home and away basis over 10 rounds from November 14, 2014 to March 23, 2015.

The league format tournament will commence with three matches in the opening round from November 14 to 17 in Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana. Each round will consist of three matches.

Each team will play 10 matches, five at home and five away.

The WICB Professional Cricket League comprises the Regional four-day tournament and the NAGICO Super50 Tournament which will be played in January 2015.

Guyana Jaguars will play their first three games at home, Leeward Islands Franchise from November 14-17, Windward Islands Volcanoes from November 21-24 and Barbados Franchise from November 28. All three matches will be played at the National Stadium.

The retained players are: Veerasammy Permaul, Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Ronsford Beaton, Narsingh Deonarine, Trevon Griffith, Leon Johnson, Assad Fudadin and Devendra Bishoo. The five the drafted players are: Keon Joseph, Rajendra Chandrika, Paul Wintz, Vishaul Singh and Raymod Reifer.

Other players eligible for selection under “Pay for Play” are: Zaheer Mohamed, Raun Johnson, Anthony Adams, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Amir Khan, Shimron Hetmyer, Steven Jacobs, Kemo Paul, Kevon Boodie, Gudakesh Motie, Ricardo Adams, Jason Sinclair, Kemol Savory, Jonathan Foo, Royston Crandon, Raj Nanan, Kandasammy Surujnarine, and Rajiv Ivan.

WICB contracted player Shivnarine Chanderpaul is an automatic pick to the squad.

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - At age 57, former National youth and senior team Coach Albert Smith returns to the national cricket set up as a part of the technical team attached to the Guyana Jaguars, who are intensifying preparations for the inaugural West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League Regional Four-Day Franchise Tournament which starts on November 14.

Smith helped Guyana win its last regional First-class tournament when they won the 2002 Busta Shield; getting first innings points from Jamaica in final in Jamaica. Smith was also the Coach when the team won the regional one-day championship in 2003 and 2005 after losing to Trinidad and Tobago in the 2004 final. Guyana, with Smith as coach, won the inaugural Stanford Regional T/20 title in 2006.

Now, five years after he was replaced as Head Coach in the middle of 2009 season by former National batsman Rabindranauth Seeram, the Berbician is back to lend his experience to a team that has struggled at the regional level in recent times.

Smith returned to National cricket as Berbice Manager last year. He feels for the past two years at the Inter-County level the general attitude of the players has not been as good as it should have been.

“Since the Inter-County tournament I have noticed a complete turnaround in the work ethic of the players, who are now being paid to play not only for the matches they play in the regional tournaments but most of them can now earn a monthly salary,” Smith informed.

“I think the franchise system is a good thing since if you are being paid you will be expected to be more professional in your entire attitude towards cricket,” Smith, who was the National under-19 Coach from 1999 to 2002, opined.

He said from what he is seeing now and the teams in the past, the big difference is the spinners. “In the past we had attacking spinners like (Mahendra) Nagamootoo and (Neil) McGarell and before that (Clyde) Butts and (Roger) Harper. I believe the spinners today are more defensive due to the large number of limited overs cricket played now” said Smith, who took over from Mark Harper as Coach in 2001.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the national Selectors former Guyana fast bowler Rayon Griffith explained all 25 players in the Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI) Franchise draft in addition to the National under-19 pair of Kemo Paul and Shemron Hetmyer were eligible for selection.

The 35-year-old Griffith took 56 wickets including a best of 6-44 from his 22 First-Class matches and informed that the team will be selected after two four-day practice games.

Griffith explained that among the key criterion for selection is commitment. “Commitment is the most important thing we are looking for. Commitment brings all the other things…. discipline, passion and the right temperament. We (selectors) are also looking at attitude, fitness and of course performance,” Griffith added.

The squad was joined by West Indies Test batsman Leon Johnson for yesterday’s first ‘nets’ session at Bourda. The squad had a two-day training session on Tuesday and Wednesday. Canada based Guyanese fast bowler Jeremy Gordon practiced with the team yesterday and produced lively pace from a slow track which had plenty of preparation moisture.

The squad will have their first practice game from Monday to Thursday at Bourda and all of the players except Barbadian Raymond Reifer (Guyana’s only overseas player who is expected here by Oct 30), Assad Fudadin, Ronsford Beaton (unavailable due to West Indies ‘A’ team commitments in Sri Lanka), Davendra Bishoo (travelling from Sri Lanka) and Zaheer Mohamed (who was absent from all the sessions) should play.

Guyana Jaguars face the Leewards Islands at Providence in their opening game from November 14- 17 before playing the Windwards Islands at Providence from November 21-24.

The Guyanese will then have their third home game at Providence when clash with Barbados from November 28–December 1. Guyana’s first ‘away’ match will be from December 5–8 when they face Trinidad & Tobago at the Queens Park Oval

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Play in Ramchand/Rohan Auto Spares Softball cricket completion continues tonight and tomorrow with several matches.

Tomorrow at Cyril Potter ground: Pitch 1: 9:30am-Wellman vs Frontliners. 12:30pm-Princess Hotel vs Farm. Pitch 2: 9:30am-Floodlights vs Bel Air Rubis. 12:30pm-Challengers vs Herstelling. Pitch 3: 9:30am-Wellwoman vs Blue Divas. 11:00am-Karibee Strikers vs 4R Lioness. 1:00pm-Karibee Strikers vs Sleepin Warriors.

G.N.I.C. ground: 9:30am-Regal vs Speedboat. 12:30pm-Regal Masters vs Parika Defenders.

Enterprise ground: Pitch 1: 9:30am-Young Guns vs Brickery Super Stars. 12:30pm-Enterprise Legends vs Slingers. Pitch 2: 9:30am-Countryside vs Warriors X1. 12:30pm-Industry Super Kings vs Fishermen Legends.

Meanwhile, tonight at DCC: Pitch 1: 6:30pm-Wolf Warriors vs Young Guns. Pitch 2: 6:30pm-Tiger Sport vs Shakir X1.

Results for Oct. 23rd: Fishermen Masters def. Wellman by 7 runs. Fishermen 141 all out; M. Mohanlall 57; Greig DeFranca 3 for 15, Tony Singh 2 for 21. Wellman 139 all out; Shawn Massiah 24; S. Singh 4 for 18, R. Mohan 2 for 35.

Wolf Warriors def. Farm by 6 wickets. Farm 129 for 7; Sheldon Perch 26, Ryan Ready 21. Wolf Warriors 130 for 4; H. Ransundar 41 not out, Mark Harold 25 not out; A. Sookdeo 3 for 16.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - A fine all-round performance by Yatesh Dhanpaul guided host Zeeburg to an eight- wicket victory over Unity in a 30-over match played on Thursday last on the West Coast of Demerara.

Batting first in front of a fair size crowd, the visitors managed 146-7 off their allotted overs. Tagenarine Chanderpaul top scored with a fighting 75, while Sharif Mohamed made 23 (5×4) and West Indies star batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul 12 (1×6).

Steady bowling by the home team restricted their opponents to 52-2 before Tagenarine Chanderpaul and his father Shivnarine added 26 for the third wicket. 

Following the dismissal of Shivnarine, the younger Chanderpaul featured in a third wicket stand of 60 with Mohamed to steady the innings. Despite the host managing to maintain a steady line and length, Chanderpaul beefed up the total in the latter stages of the innings with some lusty hitting. He slammed nine fours and two sixes off 83 balls. Dhanpaul captured 3-28 off five overs and Crishanand Persaud 2-14 from six.

Zeeburg were off to a fine start with Ganesh Narine and Madanlall Doodnarine adding 62 for the first wicket to set their team on course. Narine hit three fours and one six before he went for 21, while Doodnarine made 20 with four fours. Dhanpaul gradually grew in confidence and smashed five fours and four sixes in a top score of 53. He and Joel Ramsahai (14*) saw their team to safety with a third wicket stand of 83 as they ended on 149-2 in 19.1 overs. Vishal Arjune and Tagenarine Chanderpaul took one wicket each.

Zeeburg CC presented a plaque to Shivnarine Chanderpaul for his achievement in the sport before the match.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - The fifth annual Corporate Business in Sports (CBIS) Inter-Agency Softball cricket tournament, fun day and exhibition cricket games will be held at the Albion Sports Complex today and will bring together 14 business organisations and agencies.

The competition will be played on a knockout basis.

The teams will engage in 10/10 cricket, dominoes and other activities.   The finals will be played under floodlights, while a feature 20/20 exhibition cricket match involving a Berbice select team and top club Albion Community Centre will be played. The activity will held for the first time using permanent lights which were recently installed at the venue.

The event is aimed at promoting unity and fostering better working relationships between entities and the public. The day’s activities as usual is expected 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.  Top stereo 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 tokens.

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 following first round games were arrived at with Nand Persaud Caribe Rice taking on Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha; Hand in Hand Insurance versus New Building Society; Demerara Bank coming up against Republic Bank; Berbice Bridge Company meet Ansa McAl Stag Boyz; Oldendorff Carriers challenge Metro Office and Computer Supplies; new comers Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) match skills with Neal and Massy, while in the final encounter new comers J’s Super Market will play Banks DIH Limited.

Each Team is permitted two guest players, while 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 runs and will earn a “FREE HIT”,  runs earned as a result of overthrows 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.

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

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Hosts Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Police Sports Club (PSC) were locked in battle for first-innings points at the end of the first day of their Georgetown Cricket Association/Noble House Seafoods second division two-day semifinal which is being played at the DCC ground in Queenstown.

After winning the toss and opting to field first, DCC restricted PSC to 172 for 6 at lunch before a belligerent 48 from Darson LaRose that was decorated with five sixes, pushed PSC to 250 all out off 66.2 overs after the lunch interval.

In reply, Shurfane Rutherford (48) and Raymond Perez added 64 for the first wicket before they were both dismissed by Vishal Jaigobin, as DCC reached 94 for 2 off 28 overs at the close of play, still needing 157 more for first-innings points.

When PSC batted, they quickly lost Troy Benn (1) who was caught at the wicket by Tevin Imloch off Rutherford, before Brentnol Woolford and Pernell London added 46 for the second wicket. Woolford was then caught by Lyndon Lyght off Yenkini Favorite for 18 that included four fours.

Favorite placed himself on a hat-trick when he sent back Kord Griffith (0) first ball to leave PSC on 47 for 3, but Sheldon Agard avoided the hat-trick adding 25 for the fourth wicket with London, before national Under-15 left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd removed Griffith at 72 for 4.

London was next to go, lbw to the veteran Dennis Squires for 42 (6×4, 1×6) at 96 for 5, at which point Kelvin Leitch who made 36 (3×4, 1×6) and Rawle Enmore 40 (4×4, 1×6) added 61 for the sixth wicket, before Leitch was run-out at 161 for 6.

After lunch, PSC lost Jason McAlmont (1), Enmore and Jaigobin (0) to be 174 for 9, but LaRose, displaying a never-say-die attitude, in partnership with Richard Leacock (19*, 2×4; 1×6) added 76 valuable runs for the 10 wicket to push PSC to 250, before LaRose was run-out.

Favorite finished with 3 for 36 and Lyght 2 for 45 for DCC, who watched as Rutherford tore into PSC attack, hitting LaRose over midwicket for 6, followed by another massive six over backward square leg, which was preceded by a crisp extra cover drive.

However, in his attempt to hit Jaigobin over long on, he found the safe hands of Griffith after counting six fours and two sixes in his 48 and was followed seven runs later by Perez who was lbw to Jaigobin for 24, which included three well timed fours.

At the close of play, Imloch was unbeaten on 14 (3×4) and with him was Andrew Gibson, who looked solid for his unbeaten 12 (2×4), as DCC are 157 runs away from taking first-innings points and earning themselves a place in the final.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - The Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association’s (GFSCA) fourth annual three-day International Softball tournament is all set for this weekend at various venues in Georgetown where admission is free.

The final will be played one week from today at the Demerara Cricket Club ground on Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, where admission is $500.

A total of twenty-six (26) teams are taking part in two categories, Male Open and Male Masters, with six teams coming from New York, three from Florida, two from Canada and the rest are from Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara.

Twelve teams will do battle for the Male Open. They are: New York Softball Cricket League All Stars, South Florida Softball Premier League, Dant X1-Canada, Cotton Field Wild Oats, Parika Defenders All Stars, Wolf Warriors, Regal Stationery, Karibee Boys, Corriverton, Petama Enterprise, Farm X1 and Uprisers.

Fourteen teams for the Male Masters are: Floodlights, Brooklyn/Queens, East Coast Masters, New York Better Hope, New York President X1, New York Sea View, New York Softball Cricket League Legends, Ontario Softball International, Parika Defenders, Regal Masters, South Florida Softball League, Orlando Florida, Mike’s Wellman, and Savage.

Champion team for the Open category will receive $800 000 and a trophy, runners-up $200 000 and trophy, player-of-the-final will receive a trophy and player-of-the-series one softball bracelet (gold with diamond stud).

Champion team in the Male Masters category will receive winning trophy and $600 000, runners-up will cart off $150 000 and trophy, while the player-of-the-final and the player-of-the-series will each receive a trophy and softball bracelet (gold with diamond stud).

There will also be plaques for special performances, such as centuries scored and five-wicket hauls during the preliminary stages of the tournament, which is an annual affair and promises to be exciting once again.

In addition to the prizes mentioned above, two spectators stand a chance to win a return ticket each to Aruba, while there will be hampers up for grabs, with spectators being asked to keep their half-ticket and listen for the number to be called.

There will also be many giveaways, 71 Sounds System will be there, along with Tassa drummers to entertain the spectators at intervals.

Grounds where matches are to be played on Friday and Saturday are: GCC Bourda, Everest, Police Eve Leary, DCC, Malteenoes, MYO, and Ogle.

The tournament is being sponsored by Stag Beer, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, RUBiS Guyana, Trophy Stall, Survival, Steve’s Jewellery, Clear Waters, Busta Soft Drink, Rohan Auto Spares, A & R Jewanram Printery, and W. J. Enterprise.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Malteenoes Sport Club and Everest Cricket Club recorded victories when action in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/New Building Society (NBS) second division 40-over tournament continued on Saturday in the capital city.

At Malteenoes SC, the host overcame Sophia by ten wickets.

Batting first, the visitors were bowled out for 105 in 23 overs. Zalim Rasheed led with 30, Gareth Allen made 23 and Dwayne Peters 16.

Shaquille Moseley grabbed 4-15 off eight overs and Mark Cumberbatch 3-29.

MSC reached the target in nine overs, ending on 108 without lost. Troy Lewis stroked 54 (3×4,4×6) and Nikosie Barker 43 (4×4,3×6).

At the Muslim Youth Organisation, Everest thumped Third Class by a mammoth 162 runs.

Everest posted 236 all out in 39.1 overs as Shaheed Mohamed slammed 56 (5×4,1×6), Manjrekar Bhola cracked 54 (5×4,1×6) and Denesh Mangal 30 (6×4).

Trevor Hossein claimed 3-37, Pablo Ghisiawan 2-42 and Kapil Deosingh 2-46.

In reply, Third Class was skittled for 74 in 18.4 overs. Kevin Bob Semple made 24.

Christopher Surat bagged 5-13, Raphael Singh 2-16 and Kishan Singh 2-21.

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - As intense training continues for the Guyana Jaguars, Chairman of the national Selectors and former Guyana fast bowler Rayon Griffith has expressed satisfaction at the attitude of the players.

In fact, Griffith said the attitude has been positive from players. The squad is preparing for the inaugural West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League Regional four-day franchise tournament which starts on November 14.

“I think we are heading in the right direction,” Griffith said.”I think it is just a matter of the guys continuing in that vein, giving the effort, showing enthusiasm and hopefully, we can move forward from here.

“I thought the guys are putting out the effort and they cooperated, gelled and assisted each other well as a unit, and I think that was good for us,” said Griffith.

Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Griffith, who took 56 wickets from his 22 First-Class matches, outlined that while the selection panel will be looking at a number of factors before the final squad is selected, ‘players commitment ‘, will be the key criteria for selection.

“Commitment is the top priority of us. We (selectors) are also looking at attitude, fitness and of course performance,” Griffith added.

According to Griffith, the team for the first round will be selected after the two four-day practice games. The first practice game commences on October 27-30 while the second is scheduled for November 4-7.

The new franchise system allows each of the six franchises to have fifteen contracted players. However, that does not mean that those contracted players are eligible for selection. This, according to Griffith means the other players selected on the ‘Pay for Play’ criteria are also eligible for selection.

The Regional four-day will be played on a home and away basis over 10 rounds from November 14, 2014 to March 23, 2015.

The league format tournament will commence with three matches in the opening round from November 14 to 17 in Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana. Each round will consist of three matches.

Each team will play 10 matches, five at home and five away.

The WICB Professional Cricket League comprises the Regional four-day tournament and the NAGICO Super50 Tournament which will be played in January 2015.

Guyana Jaguars will play their first three games at home, Leeward Islands Franchise from November 14-17, Windward Islands Volcanoes from November 21-24 and Barbados Franchise from November 28. All three matches will be played at the National Stadium.

First Published In The Guyana Times.