THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) in a historic move launched three major tournaments yesterday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in the presence of their major sponsors.

The 1st Division 2-day tournament which is sponsored by Guyana Industrial & Supplies International (GISE), Trophy Stall and Star Party Rentals, the 2nd Division 2-day tournament (sponsored by Noble House Seafoods) and U-19 100-over ‘Next Gen’, also sponsored by Noble House Seafoods, were all launched.

Neil Barry, former national cricketer and coach in his remarks noted that it was a ‘very important day, a first in many years”.
He pointed out that the launches highlight the continued partnership between the GCA and sponsors. “They have ensured that the platform is there to continue to develop youngsters.”

Meanwhile, Ms Verlene Van Lange of GISE noted that her company was very happy to be a part of the annual tournament.
She also expressed hope that the partnership with GCA will continue far into the future and pointed out that cricket to the West Indians is important and “we (GISE) truly want to invest in the youths of Guyana. We hope that the tournament leads the youths to a brighter future”.

Also present was Dowaka Singh of Noble House Seafoods who echoed Van Lange in saying that it was a very important ceremony. He agreed that cricket has always been dear to the company. “Noble House for the past six years has been associated with sports. The U-19 tournament is key to development of cricket in Guyana. This is a platform for the young cricketers”.

GCA president Roger Harper in his comments highlighted that the occasion was one of importance because “we have the opportunity to do what we were elected to do. The chance for youth development would not be possible without our corporate sponsors. We must thank Noble House, who is an eight-time sponsor of the 2nd division tournament and all the other sponsors as well”.

The GISE/Star Party/Trophy Stall 1st Division 2-day tournament will feature 10 clubs who will play in two zones. Zone A will feature defending champions DCC, UG, GCC, GYO and GDF while Zone B will see Police, GNIC, Malteenoes SC, Everest and MYO do battle. Games will begin on February 2 with play set for 09:00hrs.

The Noble House Seafoods 2nd Division 2-day tournament will feature 14 clubs playing in two Zones; Zone A will consist of defending champions GCC, Malteenoes, GNIC, GYO, GDF, Ace Warriors and MYO. In Zone B, Everest, UG, DCC, Transport, Diplomats, Third class and MYO will clash.

The competition is expected to last three months and the GCA has mandated that teams must have 25% of the bowling shouldered by fast bowlers.
Meanwhile, the Noble House U-19 competition (100 overs) will be played in white clothing featuring 10 clubs and one school (Queen’s College).

The side batting first will face 55 overs while the chasing side will face 45, if the side batting first is bowled out before 55 overs, the remaining overs from that innings will be transferred to the second innings. This is in a bid to encourage the youngsters to bat longer. That tournament begins on January 27.