… Bacchus hails performances, says Essequibo cricket is on the move

AFTER two completed rounds in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Franchise League three-day tournament, the Essequibo Franchise have maintained the lead in the eight-team fixture.
With, two commanding victories, Essequibo emerged as leaders on 32.5 points.
They won their first round encounter by 34 runs over hosts Lower Corentyne at Albion before winning handsomely by 309 runs over West Berbice in round two at the Bush Lot ground.
Meanwhile, in an invited comment yesterday, president of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB), Fizul Bacchus pointed out that the competition has definitely boosted the development of the game and players in the Cinderella County.
“The franchise cricket has definitely changed the image of the game in Essequibo. As I said last year prior to the start of the first tournament, that this franchise league is the way forward, not only for Essequibo cricket, but cricket in general, and after the first two rounds this year, everyone can see that Essequibo cricket is on the improve,” Bacchus said.
Bacchus, who is also acting president of the GCB, said the individual ability of cricketers in Essequibo and ultimately the quality of the game continue to improve under this professional franchise set-up.
“Definitely you can see a lot more improvement from the players, something which will ultimately see more competitiveness among the players,” Bacchus pointed out.
The league replaced the traditional Inter-county competition, and comprises eight franchise teams countrywide.
Round three commences tomorrow, with East Bank playing Essequibo at Everest, West Demerara playing West Berbice at Wales, East Coast hosting Georgetown at Lusignan and Lower Corentyne battling Upper Corentyne at Albion.
See below point standings after round two: