THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) as part of its effort to develop cricket in every area in the Ancient County has attracted sponsorship to host a 20/20 tournament for teams in the Berbice riverine communities.

The sponsorship was obtained from Professional Engineering and Construction Services along with Charlyn Artigua and Associates Law Office.

BCB president Hilbert Foster stated that the sponsorship was presented by Nolan France, an engineer who was born in the riverine area and wanted to contribute to the development of the game. Foster expressed delight at the sponsorship, stating that the BCB has now obtained sponsorship for two tournaments in the space of one month for the remote area.

The first one was for the Dave West Indian Imports 40 overs tournament and now the 20/20. The tournament is sponsored in memory of the late James France, the father of Nolan France.
The late James France was an outstanding educator in the riverine area and was also active in sports. The tournament would be organised by the Berbice River Cricket Association and Floyd Benjamin, a cricket coach attached to the BCB. Among the teams expected to play are Kimbia, Wiruni, Ebini and Sand Hills.

After the round-robin matches, the two top teams will travel to Albion cricket ground to play the final under lights. The winning team, the runner-up and man-of-the-final would receive financial prizes and/or trophies.

Mr France who is the owner of Professional Engineering and Construction Services stated that he was very impressed with the work of Berbice cricket and wanted to play a role in the development of the game in the area where he was born and attended primary school.

He noted that now that he has become a very successful professional engineer, he wanted to give other youths in the area an opportunity to fulfil their potential on the cricket field.
He stated that his father played a very important role in his educational career and the cricket tournament would be a fitting tribute to him. Mr France also announced that the tournament would be an annual event.