Cropper Primary retain Future Warriors Berbice title
Cropper Primary sealed a dominant 32-run victory over Betsy Ground Primary to retain their crown in the Berbice final of the ExxonMobil Guyana Future Warriors primary schools tapeball tournament on Sunday.
At the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club Ground, Jayden Garner was the star of the show, smashing a blistering 68 to propel Cropper Primary to an imposing total of 98-5 from their eight overs.
Cropper Primary School are all smiles with the championship trophy alongside members of the organising team, FL Sport, and officials from ExxonMobil Guyana
In reply, Betsy Ground were restricted to 66-4, with a disciplined bowling performance ensuring Cropper Primary’s legacy as Berbice champions continued for another year.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Cropper Primary’s innings was built around the explosive hitting of Garner. He bludgeoned a remarkable nine sixes and two fours in his 24-ball onslaught, setting a new tournament record. Anthony Ramu provided valuable support with a quickfire 16 from just seven deliveries.
For Betsy Ground, Ovendra Kuldeep was the standout bowler, claiming 3-24, while Daniel Bowling and Dinesh Bhopaul chipped in with a wicket apiece.
In pursuit of the target, Bhopaul fought a lone battle, finishing unbeaten on 33 from 21 balls, an innings that included five fours and a six. The lack of support from his teammates ultimately proved costly. Nehad Khan was the chief destroyer for Cropper Primary, taking 2-15, with Hushal Seepaul and Tejpaul Persaud also among the wickets.
Part of the action on the final day of the tournament at the Albion Sports Complex
Garner’s destructive form with the bat saw him finish as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 140 runs at an incredible strike rate of 285. Khan’s eight wickets earned him the accolade of the tournament’s top bowler.
Betsy Ground’s Kenny Ishmile was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his all-round contribution of 65 runs and seven wickets.
“We saw the enthusiasm and interest here today from the children, and that’s what this tournament is about,” said John Ramsingh of the organising group, FL Sport. “We had fun, we are all winners today.”
Earlier in the day, Cropper Primary booked their place in the final with a 10-run victory over Tain Primary. Garner was again the catalyst, hitting 32 from just 11 balls as his side posted 73-5. In the second semi-final, a disciplined performance from Betsy Ground saw them cruise to a seven-wicket win over New Market Primary.
Cropper Primary now join Demerara champions Grove Primary in the champion of champions edition, with the Essequibo winners set to be decided throughout June 21-22.
The top teams from each zone were gifted a gear bag filled with cricket equipment.
The ultimate winner of this champions’ play-off will get an exclusive opportunity to be part of activities for ExxonMobil Guyana/Guyana Amazon Warriors during the home leg of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in September, gaining an unparalleled glimpse into professional cricket.
Furthermore, the Most Valuable Player from each of the three zones in June are expected to be part of the activities for the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, which runs from July 10 to July 18.
