THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), in partnership with General Industrial & Supplies Enterprise (GISE), Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall, will continue to push ahead with its cricket development agenda through on-field action, this time in the form of a two-day first division tournament commencing today.Today’s fixtures will pit the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) against their Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) counterparts while the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) will host GNIC in the opening rounds of the two-zone tournament.
During the launch on Thursday, president of the GCA and former Guyana and West Indies cricketer, Roger Harper, reminded all present of his organisation’s vibrancy, and referred to the recent tournaments which are aimed at keeping cricketers active.
He added, “The sponsors would want to sit back some day and say this person, who is now playing for the West Indies came out of our competition in 2015.”
Meanwhile Competitions Committee chairman Shawn Massiah indicated that the competition should encourage batsmen to bat for extended periods in order to develop patience.
“Players are to endeavour at all times to conduct themselves in keeping with the true spirit of the game, observing the highest standard of cricket. Players are expected to accept the umpires’ decision at all times and refrain from showing dissent. All players shall be bound by the GCA code of conduct,” Massiah continued.
Meanwhile, batting and bowling points will be awarded with a maximum of 10 points to teams for making 350 and bowling out the opposition while fast bowlers will need to bowl 25% of the total innings’ deliveries.
Also present during the launch, representative of GISE, Verne Van Lange, said “We understand that we can play a role as the sponsor, in supporting the development of cricket for those who play cricket for fun, for those who enjoy watching cricket and for those who may one day be representing our country or better yet our region.”
The competition also caters to persons of any gender to take part as well as allowing runners to be used by injured batsmen.
The winning team will collect $100 000, while the runners-up receive $50 000. Incentives for several individual performances will be up for grabs.

By Stephan Sookram