Let the games begin! Hetmyer, Rutherford raring to go

Golden Republic T20 Bash…

By Brandon Corlette
On the eve of the much-anticipated Golden Republic T20 Bash, the captains of the respective teams, Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer, have promised to play an intense brand of cricket despite the exhibition nature of the match.

The two teams lock horns at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence today (February 21) from 18:00h.
In the press conference held yesterday at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Office, Rutherford said his Renegades would be aiming to upset Hetmyer’s Hurricanes.
“First of all, I want to thank the GCB for having me. We are excited to go out there and play some good cricket as we celebrate the 50th anniversary,” Rutherford disclosed.
Hetmyer has said it is a pleasure to be involved in this initiative. “I am just really looking to enjoy it as much as possible. It’s always nice to represent your country, but it is even more a better feeling playing in Guyana. My team will be aiming to give it our best, and may the best team win, Hetmyer posited.

This West Indies batsman has said he hopes this match brings out a good crowd to witness the players trying to steal the spotlight. “It will be nice for the guys to go out and enjoy themselves, and this cricket is a great initiative,” he declared.

GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie has said that cricket has always been the highlight of social cohesion; and he disclosed that Hetmyer Hurricanes and Rutherford Renegades will be playing for one million dollars.
At the press conference, Ravi Bharat, captain of the Ariel Speedboat, and Parmanand Persaud, Manager of Regal All Stars, shared positive sentiments. Most of the players participating in this match have not experienced playing at the National Stadium, thus excitement is at its peak for them. The softball match will bowl off from 14:00h and the cash prize therein is $200,000.
Meanwhile, Mash Coordinator Andrew Tyndall has said that cricket was the first event that came to mind when activities to celebrate the Golden Jubilee were being considered. Tyndall posited that cricket has always been meaningful to the Guyanese population.
“This celebration will promote peace and harmony for the Guyanese people,” Tyndall noted.
Tyndall noted that due to the large fan base softball cricket has, the committee saw it fitting to host a soft ball match.
With Lendl Simmons and Rayad Emrit set to turn out for the respective teams, Caribbean Airlines has been a huge supporter of the event.
Hetmyer Hurricanes is comprised of: Shimron Hetmyer (Captain); Trevon Griffith; Lendl Simmons; Raymond Perez; Kevlon Anderson; Kemol Savory; Christopher Barnwell; Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed; Ashmead Nedd; Gudakesh Motie; Nial Smith; Qumar Torrington; Richie Looknauth; Vishal Singh; Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Technical Director); Steven Jacobs (Coach); Akshaya Persaud (Manager) and Neil Barry Jr (Physiotherapist).
The Rutherford Renegades are comprised of: Sherfane Rutherford (Captain); Chandrapaul Hemraj; Jonathan Foo; Anthony Bramble; Leon Johnson; Raymon Reifer; Tevin Imlach; Kevin Sinclair; Rayad Emrit; Quintin Sampson; Joshua Jones; Ramaal Lewis; Keon Joseph; Ricardo Adams; Esuan Crandon (Technical Director); Veerasammy Permaul (Coach); Devendra Bishoo (Manager) and Ernest Campo Gonzalez (Physiotherapist).
The gates will be opened from 13:00h, and the rules will be relaxed so that the ICC regulations would not be strictly followed. Security will always be a priority, and the regular methods will be in place for this event. Tickets are $2000 for any stand, and vehicle parking passes are $1000 each.