Winning, exhibiting Guyana’s T20 talent on Nedd’s agenda

– Singh eager to get into the mix

Just a few weeks ago the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) was one of the top club nominated for the club of the year award when the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) hosted its annual award ceremony. Currently the local powerhouse are competing in the University of the West Indies (UWI) T20 tournament and unlike an award ceremony, where a winner is decided on votes, winning this tournament lies in DCC’s hand. Not by any means contrary to the winners of the club of the year award recipient but winning an overseas competition could stake claims for the top club at the end of this year.

After some travel issues which saw them arrive in Trinidad two hours before their first game, DCC trounced Desmond Buggy Haynes by six wickets then Moosai by seven wickets, to complete two comprehensive victories. They are set to play Trinidad and Tobago Police Sports Club in the quarterfinals later today.
However, winning is important for DCC but exhibiting Guyana’s T20 talent is high on Coach Garvin Nedd’s agenda. According to Nedd there is a myth about the shortage of talent in Guyana, however, if DCC dominates during this tournament it could start a new chapter for Guyanese players. One that could increase demands for players from the Land of Many Waters.
Yesterday DCC had an intense training session ahead of their must win match and they worked on areas that need to improve from their first two matches.
The former first class off spinner is optimistic about his team’s chances, nevertheless, he is focus on one game at a time.
DCC is without the service of some marquee players like Christopher Barnwell and Paul Wintz, but the Derwin Christian led side has so far performed beyond expectation.In their first game they chased 159 for victory against Desmond Buggy Haynes, where discarded national and former West Indies U-19 player Gajanand Singh and former youth player Kemol Savory scored fifties. In the second match against Moosai they replied with 103-3 after restricting their opponents to 101 in 18 overs. Singh again scored a half century. Other notable performers were Kellon Carmichael, Sherfane Rutherford and Keemo Paul.
Nedd described Singh as a lost talent from the national set up and it is his wish that standout performances here can get some of the guys into the franchise setup.
Savory’s performance also received high praise from Nedd; “Savory batted ‘out of his skin’, it was a good knock and it was good to see an innings of that kind coming from him.”
Singh also caught up with this publication and he said he is currently using any cricket to get into the mix at the Regional level. “I am using any cricket possible, whether it be in the Caribbean, Canada or the USA, every chance matter. I am still working hard on my cricket and with the League set up I could probably be spotted by one of the several franchise.”
DCC stands three games away from the summit of the UNICOM sponsored event. The teams are competing for $70,000 worth of prize money, with the winning team receiving at least $35,000 in cash and a champion’s trophy. Prizes will also be given to the Man of the Match, Big Six and others.