GNIC, TSC battle in rescheduled final

GCA/Noble House 2-Day 2nd Division

After the first attempt at the final of the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) Noble House Two-Day Second Division was rained out last week at the world famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground Bourda, consistent performers Transport Sports Club (TSC) and Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) will try once more this weekend to settle the score at the same venue.
It has been a tough journey for both teams, having played five matches against some of the fiercest teams in the city to get to this stage. Among their rivals, TSC had to deliver against Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) in the quarterfinals followed by a resurgent Police Sports Club team in the semifinal while GNIC defeated Guyana Defence Force (GDF) by first innings in their quarterfinal bout and benefitted from a walk over against Everest Cricket Club in the semifinal. Nevertheless, both teams had to work their way to the final and now that they are here only one team could emerge victors. Who will it be would be known by Sunday afternoon, however, either team would like to be at the summit when the last ball is bowled. In 2014 TSC won the title then surrendered it in 2015 in a thrilling match against University of Guyana. In contrast it has been a while since the Woolford Avenue side have played in the final and they would have every reason to prove their worth.

Sunil Singh

Former national youth player, Quincy Ovid-Richardson, who scored centuries in both innings in the quarterfinal for GNIC is expected to lead his team’s batting and support is expected to come from his seniors David Dick, Jermine Grovesnor and Mark Nicholson, who will be playing against his former team. Talented youth batsmen Joshua Persaud, Kurt Lovell and the Campbell brothers Stephan and Christopher are also expected to don the whites for GNIC.
More interestingly if Gajanan Suknanan returns from his hiatus then it could spell worries for TSC’s batsmen, since the off spin bowler has dominated every cricket he played last year.
And if he plays, then surely TSC will dwell on a reaction to his action and veteran spinner Kevin Ross could provide that. Skipper Shawn Massiah could also play major roles with bat and ball for TSC while batsmen Sunil Singh, Charwayne McPherson and all-rounder Azeem Azeez will have lots on their shoulder.
The match is set to commence at 11:00h on Saturday and TSC are favourites to clinch the final but it is up to GNIC to create an upset and add silverware to their shelves which has been bare for an extended period.