Essequibo Leg to commence tomorrow

NEW talents and batting skills are expected to be exposed in the fields for the upcoming four weeks as beverage giant Banks DIH Ltd, on Wednesday afternoon, launches its GT beer 7 a-side Tape-Ball competition at Jaigobin conference room, Henrietta.

Cricketers from 27 teams throughout Region Two are expected to vie for the grand prize of $200,000 along with a trophy. The games promise to provide pulsating actions as the 27 teams face off in the GT beer-sponsored 7 a-side Tape-ball 5 overs clash to commence at Hibernia Sports ground.
Some of the best teams from across the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region have signed up for the inaugural competition which will take a round-robin and play at three venues. The matches will be played at Affiance’s number one ground, Golden Fleece and possibly Walton Hall over 4 weekends commencing on October, 7th.
The 27 teams will clash for 1st Prize of $200,000 and a trophy, 2nd Prize of $100,000 and a trophy and a 3rd prize of $50,000 and a trophy. There will also be a 4-team female playoffs during the 3rd and 4th weeks.

GT Beer Brand Manager, Dwain Bristol, said that Banks DIH Ltd is happy to be a part of the competition and is pleased with the interest that has been generated so far. Bristol said that the concept of the 7a-side tape-ball was decided to make it exciting for players and spectators. Bristol called on the teams to play the competition with full spirit. He said that the sponsorship was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS).

Gavin Jodhan, Branches Controller, said that since the competition was announced the feedback has been positive. He, therefore, urged players to be respectful on the field and to display professionalism throughout the competition.
Member of the Essequibo Cricket Board, Elroy Stephney, said that the competition will bring back the popularity of tape ball cricket on the Essequibo Coast. He said that the competition is a replica of what the Essequibo Cricket Board is advocating for players. Stephney said that the competition will help groom players for International games.
“I hope that the captains will ensure that the cricket is played well and fairly and respectfully, this is an exciting development for Essequibo that will promote the game and also enhance the skills of players,” Stephney said.

Competition organizer, Ramnarine Ragoobar, said the game will be live streamed https://cricheroes.in/tournament/771244/GT-7-a-side-Tapeball-Clash and the scores will be auto-generated with player’s pictures and history.

He said the floodlights games would have commenced at 18:30 hrs during the game timings. During the games, there will be stocked bars and entertainment for families. Teams that are part of competition include Richmond Titans, Queenstown/Ariel 11, Walton Hall/Devonshire Castle United, Young achievers, Royal Strikers, Jaguar, Jaguar 2, Airy Hall Empire CC, Caribbean Cricket Club, Richmond Warriors, Queenstown Tigers, Reliance Hustlers sports club, Franchise 11, Aurora Secondary Warriors, Aurora, rising stars, Tennessee farm progressor, Hibernia, Affiance, Liberty Sports Club Team Pomeroon, Huis’t Diren, Young Warriors, and Evolution amongst others. To enter the competition, each team will have to purchase 2 cases of GT beer.

There will be a quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final match to determine the winner.