At a simple ceremony held at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) launched its Easter Youth Cricket Festival. The Festival will see two tournaments kicking off – the Toucan Distributors Trophy GCA U-15 Cricket Competition and the New York Tri State GCA U-19 Competition.
General Manager of Toucan Industries, Lenox Shuffler hands over a cheque to President of the GCA, Roger Harper
Opening the tournament was Chairman of the Senior Selector of the GCA, Mark Harper, who stated that the U-15 tournament allows the young cricketers to be more tactful at a young age. Harper further stated that the tournament is a training ground as it will teach the captain of the respective teams to always be thinking. Harper also said the U-19 tournament will also feature some of our budding cricketers, such as the Nedd, Jodah and Dindyal. It will give the players a chance to play against foreign players which will allow them to gain experience.
Also present at the simple ceremony was the General Manager of Toucan Industries, Lenox Shuffler who said, “Being a part of this competition is more about development, it’s not about the money. We would like to see the continuity of effort by the youngsters which would lead them to represent the West Indies. If you want to succeed you must pay the price and that is to train hard. There is a price for success which is work hard, show dedication and love for the sport. Cricket is a big sport and we can show the world what we have to offer. We at Toucan Industries are happy to support this group and from this we would like to see the hard work and dedication from it.”
Echoing the remarks of Toucan Industries General Manager, President of the GCA, Roger Harper related that once again it is that time of the year at the GCA where everyone is given the opportunity to showcase their talent. But not only to showcase talent but to also give the players the opportunity to develop their skills. He further stated that through sports, the GCA can provide the opportunity to teach players if they work hard they can be successful. In closing Harper said, “We want to thank Toucan Industries for supporting us for the second year to help run off the U-15 tournament. For the U-19 tournament we expect exciting cricket and through this competition, the future of Guyana cricket is secured as we will see the future of West Indies secured”.
The U-15 competition is divided into two zones, namely Zone A and B. It will feature eight clubs and one school (Queens College). The clubs which are a part of Zone A are DCC, Malteenoes, GCC and MYO, while Zone B consists of Transport, Bel Air Rubis, Everest and Queens College. Each team in the competition will play four preliminary matches and will see the top two teams from each zone qualifying for the semi-final. The competition is 100 overs which will see the team batting first playing 55 overs, while the team chasing will have 45 overs. If the opening team fails to utilise their 55 overs, the remaining overs will be added onto the overs of the team chasing. Forty per cent of the overs which is equivalent to 20 overs must be bowled by the seamers. Players must be attired in all white. The competition will commence on April 24.
The U-19 competition is also divided into two zones – Zone A and B – which will feature 12 teams in total. The teams in Zone A are Tri-State, Bel Air Rubis, DCC, Queens College, GYO and MYO. The teams in Zone B are GCC, Everest, Matleenoes, GNIC, GUYCEA and Transport. The competition will commence on April 16 and will see the top two teams qualifying for the semi-final on April 24. After the semi-final concludes, the final will be played on April 26 at DCC. The competition will be played in coloured clothes and each team will face 50 overs; 40 per cent of the overs must be bowled by seamers, if not, 10 runs will be added to the opposition.
