THE East Coast Demerara Cricket Association (ECDCA) Premium Beer T20 cricket competition bowled off at various venues yesterday with the sponsor’s representative urging the teams to exercise discipline, while showing “dedication and commitment” to the game.Addressing the Lusignan B and Golden Achievers teams minutes before the bowl-off of the first match of a double-header at the Enmore Community Centre ground, Premium Beer Brand Manager, Shameer Shahib, spoke of the importance of the tournament, and the need for players to display a high level of professionalism.
“You must show dedication and commitment, as well as discipline because only that way other sponsors will be encouraged to invest in the sport,” Shahib told the players.
He added, “Also respect the umpires’ decision. Of course, everyone wants to win, but there can only be one winner.”
Shahib further stated that it is from competitions like these that emerging talents can be spotted and groomed for the future. Further, Shahib urged the players to aim high as they stand on the cusp of representing their county, country and even the West Indies.
Eighteen (18) teams drawn from the East Coast of Demerara are competing in the knockout competition, which will continue on weekends and culminate with a third place playoff and final on November 22 at the Enmore Community Centre ground.
The champion team will take home a trophy and $200,000; the runners-up a trophy and $100,000 and the losing semi-finalists a trophy and $50,000 each. The Man-of-the-Match and the player who is deemed to have created the Play-of-the-Day in the final will pocket $20,000 and $5000 respectively.
At the launch of the competition a week ago, ECDCA Chairman Tejnauth Jadunauth thanked the sponsor and encouraged the teams to maintain a high level of discipline.
Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Secretary Anand Sanasie said he was happy to see cricket being played on a regular basis in the area, adding that the GCB was always willing to assist. He lauded Banks DIH Limited and congratulated the ECDCA on the partnership.
Meanwhile, Lusignan B defeated Golden Achievers by five runs to advance to the next stage of the competition. Inserted to take first strike, Lusignan B posted 93 with Chetram Jeenarine (18), Tameshwar Motiram (17) and national Under-15 player Robin Williams (15) among the runs.
Keron Roberts was outstanding for Golden Achievers, claiming 5-20 from four overs, while Seon Walcott bagged 2-14 from 2.1 overs. Golden Achievers in reply, folded for 88 with Winston London scoring an unbeaten 28 and Premchand Sookdeo hitting 21. B. Agnadu picked up 2-12 and young Motiram impressed with 1-5 from two overs.