By Sean Devers
REGARDED as the hub of Demerara’s cricket, apart from the Berbice Cricket Board, the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) produced the most National cricketers at all levels this year, including Guyana Senior skipper Leon Johnson and all three Youth captains in the Mohabir siblings – Alvin and Dave.

But GCA’s success story has not been without challenges as GCA president Neil Barry explained to Chronicle Sport.

“On the return to cricket after the COVID-19 pandemic, GCA was tasked with ensuring that all protocols were followed to prevent the spread of the virus and reduce the possibility of infection and even loss of life.

“The impact of adverse weather conditions hindered the smooth running and completion of the tournaments in Georgetown, as ground availability was severely affected,” added Barry a former Demerara and Guyana Youth and Senior wicketkeeper/batter.

“The GCA is most pleased with successful participation of GCA youth teams (U15, U17 & U19) in DCB Inter-Association Competitions.

“The GCA played undefeated in matches at all levels, winning all competitions. However, the players are yet to receive their trophies and prizes,” noted the 56-year-old right-hander.

Barry, whose highest score is 71 from nine First-Class games, is also happy with the number of youth players from GCA who were selected to represent Demerara and Guyana at all the youth levels.

“GCA had 29 players who represented Demerara at all youth levels, 10 players who were selected to the GCB President’s IX that participated as the 4th team in the Inter-County Youth competitions, 14 players that represented Guyana at the various youth levels including the Mohabir brothers – Alvin and Dave. who made history in becoming the first siblings to captain all of Guyana Youth teams in the same year. GCA player Mavindra Dindyal was selected to represent the West Indies at U19 level in 2022.”

Barry, who also played 12 limited overs games for Guyana, is pleased with the launching of the Smalta female Youth programme which is ongoing, the successful implementation of the GCA Koolkids Next-Gen Cricket coaching programme, which exposed over 400 pupils drawn from Grades 3 to 5 from 8 primary schools in Georgetown to 8 weeks of cricket coaching and the implementation of the Cricclubs digital scoring platform that carries live scores of all GCA matches to a global audience.

Asked what his plans are for 2023, Barry said: improving on and sustaining the successes of 2022; providing more opportunities for young talents to emerge from within the boundaries of the GCA; implementing more development programmes, especially targeting female and youth cricketers and to further digitise and professionalise the administration of cricket within the GCA.