By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), as part of its responsibility in ensuring that the best possible national team is selected to represent the nation at the Under-15 level, has made the first step.

To this end, the board and Dave West Indian Imports have renewed their partnership for the Inter-county Under-15 competition, which is set to bowl off on February 25.

The tournament will be used as a yardstick to select the best possible players to represent Guyana.

At the official media launch in the GCB boardroom on Regent Street, the board’s Marketing Manager Raj Singh pledged the continued support of Dave West Indian Imports for the fourth year in succession.

Singh encouraged youth players present, to be disciplined and committed to their task, as they seek to develop their cricketing skills.

He was also high in praise for the sponsor, who continues to add value to the GCB’s age-group cricket structure.

Speaking on behalf of Dave West Indian Imports was owner Dave Narine, who hailed the partnership with GCB.

He indicated that this unwavering desire was due to the positive impact his company’s sponsorship was making to the lives of those participating in the GCB’s U-15 Inter-county tournament.

The competition, which will end on March 2, will involve Berbice, Demerara, Essequibo and the President’s XI.

The first round of matches will see Demerara battle Berbice at the GCC ground, while the President’s X1 will face Essequibo at Everest. All matches are scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs.

The teams are as follow:

Demerara Under-15:

Aliv Mohabir, Zachary Jodah, Taddue Lovell, Mavindra Dindayal, Romeo Deonarine, Jodan Campbell, Zahid Baksh, Omari Lallbachan, Riyad Latiff, Joash Charles, Dhanesh Persaud, Vishaul Persaud, Krisan Singh and Avinash Rajkumar. This team is led by manager Jitlal Jowharilall and coach Orin Bailey.

Essequibo Under-15:

Gladwin Henry, Terrence Softleigh, Shaazif Mohamed, Aryon Doodnauth, Ravy Nandolall, Govinda Tulsie, Deo Kanhai, Mahesh Sookdeo, Justin Megue, Sherwin Stoll, Gevion Arokium, Rajindra Ramballi, Sarwan Bishram and Akeem John. This team is led by manager Vickram Ramnarine and coach Forbes Daniels.

Berbice Under-15:

Isaiah Thorne, Rampertab Ramnauth, Christopher Deroop, Tameshwar Mahadeo, Kelvin Samuels, Mark Ramalho, Damion Cecil, Ravishkar Sobhai, Tuvishkar Shaundeo, Salim Khan, Matthew Pottaya, Bashkar Dhanai, Niquan Samuels and Avishkar Persaud. This team is led by manager Lakeram Latchman and coach Leslie Solomon.

President X1 Under-15:

Nityanand Mathra, Anthony Khan, Sachin Balgobin, Nicholas Sheopersaud, Dillon Ramsaroop, Bhaskar Shamlall, Rezekiel Renee, Panav Ramnarine, Jamie Mendes, Golcharran Chulai, Seemangal Pamesh, Altore Balman, Satya Grance, Kumar Deopersaud and Sanjay Algoo. This team is led by manager Lachman Yadram and coach Winston Smith.