Subsequent to two postponements due to persistent rainfall in the city players are expected to grace the field on Saturday as Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) looks to move ahead with its activities for 2017.
In Carib Beer T20 action on Saturday the anticipated group A final round clash between University of Guyana (UG) and Transport Sports Club (TSC) is set to bowl off at 13:30 at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) ground.
Ryan Hemraj
Group B semifinalists have already been decided with Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) topping the group followed by Everest Cricket club while reigning champions Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) have already top group A with the runners up expected to be Police or UG or TSC, who would have to await the outcome of this match to know their fate.
There are talks about who will emerge victors and gain a possible semifinal spot against GCC, group B winner or if Police, who are currently on 51 points from four matches will finish second in the group behind DCC.
The results will determine the outcome in the group but the build up to the clash have proved why the tournament is deemed as the best locally organized cricket event.
Except against DCC, UG bowling has been their weapon of destruction as they managed to restrict the other teams to scoring rates under 7.5, which is good in T20 cricket. Darnell Douglas is their marquee player, he strikes the ball powerfully and is an attacking medium fast bowler and quite a good fielder. Former junior national players Royston Alkins and Leon Williams were known for their batting exploits in their heydays; however, they have fallen away to some extent. A return to form at this point could give their team a big boost. Alkins is arguably University’s best bowler and he has done much to contain the batsmen so far, especially in the match against inaugural champions Police SC.
Meanwhile, TSC have been playing competitive cricket at all levels in GCA competitions over the past year. Recently they won the New Building Society (NBS) 40 over second division tournament and less than a month ago finished as runners up in the Noble House Seafoods second division two day championship.
If they qualify for the semifinals in this competition it will add to their progress in recent years, especially for a team without a complete practice facility.
Recently off spinner Rafael Singh has become their leading bowler and a lot will be on his shoulders in today’s must win clash.
In the batting department Suresh Budhoo, Ryan Hemraj and all-rounder Oslyn Batson are expected to play key roles for their team. Here is a look of how the teams performed in their groups; Zone A-DCC 76 points from four matches, Police 51 points from four matches, UG 41 from three matches, GNIC 29points from four matches and TSC 28 points from three matches. Zone B-GCC 66 points from four matches, Everest 63 points from four matches, Malteenoes 61 points from four matches, GDF 31 points from four matches and GYO 24 points from four matches.
