… Hetmyer, Rutherford say both teams have much to prove

By Clifton Ross

ON the eve of Guyana’s 50th anniversary (Golden) Republic T20 Bash celebrations, captains Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer said both units were pumped up for tonight’s epic battle which bowls off under lights at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The final press conference, ahead of the celebratory T20 event held yesterday at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) head office, Regent Street; featured the respective captains of the Rutherford Renegades and Hetmyer Hurricanes.

Also present was GCB secretary Anand Sanasie, Ministry of Social Cohesion/Sport event coordinator Andrew Tyndall and representatives of the two softball teams who will play in the opening game – Ravi Bharat skipper of Ariel Speedboat XI and Parmanand Persaud, manager of the Champs Regal XI.

Decked out in their specially customised uniform T-shirts, the pair of young West Indies players admitted that the occasion was too epic for either of the talent-laden sides not to bring out their A-game.

Rutherford, the hard-hitting Windies T20 all-rounder, thanked the GCB for allowing him to be such a significant part of the match.

“I want to thank the GCB for allowing me to help celebrate this special 50th anniversary occasion. I’m very excited and I just want us to play some good cricket and have fun; because the guys have a lot to prove tonight,” he said.

His friend and teammate but opponent for tonight, Hetmyer said representing Guyana in such a capacity is a true honour.

The stylish West Indies left-hander will be one of the biggest draws given his immense talent and international buzz as a T20 mega-star.

“It’s a pleasure to be a part of the anniversary celebrations. I’m looking to enjoy the match and represent my country because it’s a special way to commemorate the anniversary. We will try to play some good cricket and may the best team win,” ended Hetmyer. The softball opening match which bowls off at 14:00hrs will serve as an appetiser for the main bout which bowls off at 18:00hrs and both Bharat and Persaud were excited to be involved in such a monumental tournament.

The pair, on behalf of their teams thanked the GCB and Government of Guyana for allowing them to showcase their talents at the National stadium among the big stars – as Guyana begins her Jubilee celebrations.

On behalf of the Government, Tyndall said the first event which came to mind was cricket. He explained that the government recognised over the years that cricket unifies us and for the celebrations they want to help spread continued unity among Guyanese. Tyndall also thanked additional tournament sponsors Caribbean Airlines, who covered the travel cost for the 2 overseas players; Rayad Emrit and Lendl Simmons.

Sanasie closed by thanking all the sponsors, players and Government through the Ministry especially, for teaming up with the GCB to help bring Guyanese closer together through cricket.

He closed by confirming that replica team T20 Bash shirts will be on sale at the GCB office and at the stadium.

Winners of the main event between Rutherford and Hetmyer’s respective teams will pocket $1M. The winners of the softball match will walk away with $200 000.

Also, lucky fans will win prizes through the day, with gates opening at 13:00hrs.

Tickets to the stadium are $2 000 for any stand and can be purchased also at the GCB head office.