Historic MSC-DCC rivalry set for revival with Lyght Cup

The launch of the Andrew Lyght Unity Cup was held yesterday at Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) in Georgetown, with the inaugural first division 40-over contest between MSC and Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) set to reignite one of Guyana’s traditional cricket rivalries.

Played under the tagline “Revive the Rivalry”, the match will carry a $1 million prize purse and is expected to be staged at DCC’s home ground on a date to be announced in the coming weeks.
The tournament honours the memory of former Guyana and Demerara cricketer Andrew Augustus Lyght, who passed away on April 16, 2001, at age 44. Affectionately known as “Monster” for his aggressive and powerful opening batting, Lyght represented Guyana and Demerara between 1976 and 1988, making 38 first-class and 17 List A appearances.
Despite his impressive record, Lyght never earned a Test cap, largely because of the established West Indies opening partnership of Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes.
The initiative has received significant support from the Dodson family, who shared a longstanding connection with Lyght and Malteenoes Sports Club.
Dodson family member Delon Moffett said cricket had been deeply rooted in the family for generations, with the sport’s influence passed down through successive generations.
Moffett recalled his grandfather, Eustace Dodson, who was known as “Forward Stroke” because of his love for cricket, and said that family tradition continued through his uncles, aunts, and other relatives.
“Most of us have spent our lives here at MSC,” Moffett said, while highlighting the family’s continued affection for the club and the game even after some members migrated.
Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and MSC Vice President Steven Jacobs said the initiative was about more than a cricket match, stressing the importance of preserving the legacy of players who contributed to the development of the sport.
Jacobs thanked the Dodson family for recognising the significance of honouring Lyght, while pointing to the former opener’s aggressive approach and commitment to preparation and training as qualities younger players could emulate. He also welcomed the return of the rivalry between MSC and DCC.
Jacobs expressed, “Honouring him and having this match against DCC, our sister club, a club that we always have that rivalry with, I’m seeing it as very exciting and will be exciting for us to play against DCC every time we have the opportunity.”
Meanwhile, DCC cricketer Ricardo Percival welcomed the initiative from a player’s perspective, saying the opportunity would allow current players to showcase their development while contributing to the continued remembrance of Lyght.
MSC cricketer Shaquille Williams also praised the initiative, noting that many younger players may be unfamiliar with Lyght’s contribution to Guyana cricket.
Williams said the tournament would help bring greater attention to the history of the game and remind current players of the contributions made by past club stalwarts.
He also acknowledged the significance of the $1 million prize, describing it as a major incentive for a single cricket match.
With the date yet to be confirmed, the Andrew Lyght Unity Cup is expected to provide both a competitive contest between two historic Georgetown clubs and an opportunity to reconnect the current generation with an important chapter of Guyana’s cricket history.