THE SAINT Pius Sports Complex Circle Tennis Club played unbeaten to capture the National Sports Commission, Al Sport and Tour Promotions, Guyana Circle Tennis Association’s 53rd Independence Circle Tennis title.

In the four-team competition, played at the National Cultural Centre tarmac, Region Three Flying Stars United placed second, Banks Circle Tennis Club finished third and Region Six Visionary Youth Club, fourth.

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, said he was very impressed with the turnout to witness Guyana’s native game. After praising the officials and organisers, Jones pledged that the NSC will continue to support the sport and indicated that players can expect a bigger event in the future.

Against the Region Six team, the eventual champions batted first and scored 142-2. Shane Allicock hit 42 and Seyon Thomas 21. In reply, Visionary Youth Club were restricted to 128-3 in their 50 balls. Donald Gibson led the attack with 52 (8×6).

Saint Pius batted first against Banks CTC. The eventual winners, led by 79 unbeaten runs (10×6) from Orin Parris, 31 from Keith Brandt, 29 from Phillip Fraser and 27 from Abiola Shepherd, raced to 212-2 off their allotted deliveries.
Banks CTC replied with 132-4. M. McLennon led the attack with 38, while Marlon Griffith added 19.

Against the Flying Stars United, Saint Pius raced to 204 with Orin Paris hitting 12 sixes before he was run-out for 99. Allicock supported with 40 and Mario Haywood 28. The Region Three side replied with 138-6. David Durant struck an even 50 (5x6s).
Along with the team trophies, 13-year-old Kareena Nalim from Flying Stars United was adjudged Player-of-the-Tournament, while the Spirit-of-the-Tournament trophy went to Visionary Youth Club.

Meanwhile the Sports Officer with responsibility for Circle Tennis in the NSC, Allister Munroe, thanked Guyana Circle Tennis Association, the Management and Staff of the National Cultural Centre, and all the teams who competed for making “our first event for 2019 a wonderful one”.