BCB partners with Let’s Bet to launch 100 balls cricket tournament

– Players under 18 years debarred

The vibrant Hilbert Foster-led Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues to move in the right direction with cricket. On Thursday last, the BCB partnered with Guyana Lottery Company under its Let’s Bet Sports Brand, to launch a 100 Ball cricket tournament.
The launching event took place at the Board Room of the Guyana Chronicle’s Head Office where the BCB President, Hilbert Foster graced his presence with representatives of Let’s Bet.
It was a new beginning of cricket in Berbice when the Hilbert Foster-led BCB organization took over administration in February 2018. At that point, the BCB was on a low; a bank account of $42,000 and cricket was not playing for some two years. This saw players dropping out of cricket and cricket clubs closing down.
Prior to that period, the Hilbert Foster-led organization has shown immense progress raising 17 million dollars in cash, and some 43 cricket tournaments were played at all levels. In addition to cricket on the field, the BCB has continued to host developmental programs and assist various cricket clubs in the ancient county.
That successful journey continued when the BCB came on board with Guyana Lottery Company under its Let’s Bet Sports Brand. Berbice cricketers will expect this Second Division 100 ball tournament played in four internal zones. This will be followed by an overall Berbice Championship Tournaments involving the four zone champions.
The four zones are New Amsterdam Canje, Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne and West Berbice. Each zone finals will see cash prizes and trophies given to outstanding teams. Among the 90 teams expected to participate in the tournament are: Blairmont Community Centre, D’Edward Cricket Club, Cotton Tree Die Hard, Rose Hall Canje, Young Warriors, Tucber Park, Guymine Cricket Club, Mt Sinai, Mental Hospital, Albion Community Centre, Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Kildonan, Fyrish, Courtland, Port Mournant, Scottsburg, Skeldon Titans, No 72 All Stars Dukestown, and No 64 Fighting Marines.
With all players under the age of 18 debarred due to the nature of the tournament, only three first division players are allowed who are not debarred. At the launching ceremony, the BCB boss stated that the Berbice public enjoys this exciting format. The main objective of this tournament is to promote the game at the grassroots levels, to develop Inter-Village rivalry and to allow older players the opportunity for older players to play.
Foster reassured the management of the Lotto Company that this tournament would achieve all of its objectives and the Lotto Company will be promoted in both Region 5 and 6. The BCB President expressed his gratitude to the management and staff of the Lotto/Let’s Bet Sports for coming on board to aid in the continuous development of cricket in Berbice. (Brandon Corlette)