By Elroy Stephney
IN the inaugural tournament, played in memory of the late Chunilall Balgobin last Sunday at the Walton Hall cricket ground, Gunners shot their way to victory.
Balgobin served as vice-president of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee prior to his death in 2014.
In the presence of a large and vociferous gathering, Gunners, winning the toss in the final against Walton Hall and batting, amassed 123-6 in 15 overs.
Captain Grayson Paul led the way with 33 (2×6, 2×4) and received valuable support from former national Under-19 opener Herell Green 31 (5×4) and national Under-17 all-rounder Joshua Jones 30 (3×6, 1×4).
Left-arm orthodox spinner Suraj Sookdeo was Walton Hall’s most successful bowler, claiming 2-14 from three overs.
In reply, Walton Hall toiled on a wearing pitch and never enjoyed any fluency during their innings.

At the end of their 15 overs they were restricted to 108-7, losing by 15 runs. Opener Suresh Persaud top-scored with 31 (3×6) but his effort was not enough to deny Gunners’ grasp of $100 000 and the winners’ trophy.
Essequibo inter-county Under-19 leg-spinner Sidique Mohamed with 3-16 from 3 overs mesmerised the hosts into submission.
The presentation of prizes was done by the daughter of the late Sports Administrator and in the presence of other relatives, including his wife and two of his sons, who are also members of the Walton Hall Sports Club.
The best batsman’s prize went to Vishwanauth Lall while the best bowler was Suraj Sookdeo. Gunners skipper Grayson Paul was adjudged man-of-the-match in the finals.
Earlier Gunners staged a dramatic self- defence against Devonshire Castle to earn an exciting 4-run triumph en route to the final.
The earlier matches were reduced to ten overs.
Batting first Gunners produced 54-4 in their allotted overs then reduced Devonshire Castle to 50-6 when their overs expired.

In the earlier game, Walton Hall enjoyed a comfortable 27-run victory against Pomeroon Oil Mill. Batting first, they posted 116-8 from their 10 overs then ensured that Pomeroon Oil Mill managed only 89-3 at the completion of their 10 overs.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed by the relatives that the Chunilal Balgobin memorial tournament will be played annually with more than four teams expected to participate over a longer period of time.
Balgobin was the brother of former national umpire Dasroy Balgobin and hailed from the village of Walton Hall on the Essequibo Coast.