“Warriors!” “Warriors!” “Warriors!” were the chants of thousands of fans as they voiced their approval of their local Hero Caribbean Premiere League (CPL) franchise team the Guyana Amazon Warriors.
The stands were packed to capacity at the National Stadium, Providence
Whether rain or shine in Guyana, when cricket is to be played, fans and cricket enthusiasts alike always show up in anticipation of a great game. And that’s just what the Guyana Amazon Warriors gifted their fans during the first leg of their home games, winning three matches from as many games.
The support at the National Stadium, Providence is second to none in the Caribbean, and this was shown in the three sold-out matches that were hosted there over the past weekend.
While many are anticipating Guyana’s final two home games, against the Jamaica Tallawahs and the Trinbago Knight Riders on October 3 and 4 respectively, scores of fans have been voicing their approval of the Warriors at the National Stadium.
“I think we’re the Delhi Dare Devils of the CPL. We got the youngest squad; we’ve never had a squad on paper, this year we have that. Hopefully, they perform on the field as well, we get off to a good start, and I look forward to see the young Guyanese especially,” one fan explained when approached by Guyana Times Sport.
Another voiced unwavering support for the local team, saying, “I’m backing my country no matter what, win or lose. I’m a Guyanese and I will always represent my country.”
For relatives Dave and Gary, watching the Warriors out in the middle at Providence sometimes causes them to put their defenses up for the opposing teams.
“I’m from Trinidad, but I’m in the country so I have to support the Warriors tonight,” Gary told this publication.
“There’s no feud, we’re family, but the bottom line about cricket is we don’t have family when the game is playing,” Dave replied.
One of the tiniest Warriors had the experience of his life at Providence over the past weekend. Being just a toddler, Dilshan Jainarine told this publication that he was excited to be joining his family at the National Stadium.
“Because it’s my first time!” his little voice muttered.
Cricket is known to be the glue that keeps Guyanese bonded in spite of race, religion or class. This was a sentiment that was echoed by People’s Progressive Party Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali, as he greeted fans in the grass mound.
“Cricket brings out all Guyanese. Especially at this time, we need Guyanese to unite, and cricket is that uniting bond that everyone can feel a part of, especially when it’s playing here at the stadium. The CPL has always gotten good response here in Guyana, so cricket is a unifying force,” Mr. Ali explained.
Questioned on his assessment of this year’s Warriors team, Ali had no doubt they have the ability to go all the way.
“Some people may say the Trinidad team has the largest following, but I think the Warriors have a greater fan base. The Warriors have always performed well, and have gone to almost all the finals in CPL. I think they just have to find that jinx.”
For those who missed out, there is still a second chance to see the Guyana Amazon Warriors at home, when they take on the Jamaica Tallwahs and Trinbago Knight Riders in October.
