THE 2018-19 edition of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) 40-over second division tournament was launched yesterday with NBS padding up for a seventh year.
The tournament, which commenced earlier this year is up to its halfway stage, with organisers choosing to start earlier in the year to beat the end of year rains.

GCA president, former Guyana and West Indies cricketer Roger Harper, contended that the company continues to lend its support to cricket in the capital city, saying, “This sponsorship continues to provide opportunities for players representing clubs in Georgetown to show their talent and hone their skills.”

“While it is a competition for Georgetown clubs, it provides opportunities for players all over the country because there are no restrictions on the players and where they live, just the clubs have to be Georgetown clubs.”
Harper noted, that this year alone, some 16 players (from GCA) would have represented Guyana from different age groups with six gaining selection for the West Indies Youth teams.

“Without question, this sponsorship each year bears (not only) good quality fruit but greater fruit, giving our players, our young players the impetus they need to progress,” he concluded.
NBS Chairman Floyd McDonald contended that the tournament comes at an integral time as the West Indies side continue their rebuilding efforts, citing young Guyanese who were selected for various ages of the regional setup.

“We at the NBS feel that this sponsorship will contribute to the uplifting of cricket in Georgetown and, by extension, nationally and regionally, which is even more needed when one considers the current state of cricket in the West Indies,” McDonald added.
The tournament is split into two zones with the Zone A featuring, DCC, Diplomats (Lodge-Hadfield Street), University of Guyana, Muslim Youth Organisation, Gandhi Youth Organisation, GNIC Malteenoes and Everest.

The Zone B comprises Georgetown Cricket Club, Guyana Defence Force, Police Sports Club, Third Class Cricket Club, Sophia, Ace Warriors and Transport.
The tournament will feature a total of 52 matches with the top two teams moving into the semis then winners contesting the final.