– Albion Opener defeated Chesney by six wickets to lift Somwaru Tribute Trophy
“Since I was elected president of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), I have worked very hard to heal wounds, to build bridges of friendship, and to create an atmosphere of unity in Berbice Cricket. Every one of us must sing from the same Hymnal, and there must be (neither) “us” (nor) “them”.
Mr. D. Somwaru poses with the winning Albion Open Cricket Team
Mr. Somwaru has been an outstanding servant of Berbice Cricket, and today he has been honoured as such”.
Those were the words of BCB President Hilbert Foster at a special presentation ceremony for his predecessor, Mr. D. Somwaru, at the Chesney Cricket Ground. Foster defeated Somwaru on the 18th February, 2018 by two votes at a High Court-ordered election to become President of the Board, but has since reached out to the majority of those who had voted against him. Some of them are now actively involved in his administration, while others are very cooperative in getting the work of the Board done.
Foster said on numerous occasions that his Roman Catholic belief does not allow him to hold ill-will towards anyone, and that he wants to have all hands on deck to develop Berbice Cricket. He described the former BCB President as a close friend for close to three decades, and said that despite a few moments of disagreement, that friendship is still strong today.
The BCB President has organised a four-team tournament at Somwaru’s home Ground, Chesney, as part of the Board’s Tribute to Heroes Programme. In the first round of matches, Chesney Cricket Club defeated Toopoo Cricket Club, while Albion Open Cricket Club got past the Jai Hind Cricket Club by 3 runs.
The Final was played on Sunday last, with Albion Open Cricket Club defeating the favourites, Chesney Cricket Club, by six wickets to win their first ever BCB Tournament.
With play being watched by a fairly large crowd, Chesney was restricted to 111 all out from their twenty overs. Safraz Khan top-scored with 27 not out, and Z. Zakeer was the chief destroyer, with 5 for 10. In response, Albion Open reached 112 for 4 from 17.5 overs, as Chesney Cricket Club bowled and fielded poorly.
P. Baldeo stroked an aggressive 54, which included three sixes and four boundaries, and Andy Naidu supported with 24 as the pair added a crucial 75 runs for the second wicket.
Baldeo was named Man of the Final, and received a special gift and trophy. Albion Open Cricket Club carried home the winner’s trophy, a box of cricket balls; while both teams received large amounts of educational materials to be distributed to students in their villages.
Albion Open also benefited from a donation of a five-gallon water pitcher. The BCB presented two special gifts to its former president, along with a framed Certificate of Excellence.
Foster called on Somwaru to share his vast experience with the younger generation of cricket administrators, and wished him good health in the future.
In an invited comment, Somwaru expressed appreciation to the Berbice Cricket Board and Foster for the welcome gesture, and wished the Board more successes in the future. He joined Foster in urging all cricket leaders to work together as a collective unit. All of the trophies and prizes for the tournament were sponsored by the Berbice Cricket Board and the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS.
