CROPPER Primary School delivered a commanding performance to emerge as the Champion of Champions in the Future Warriors Tapeball tournament, which concluded on Saturday at the National Stadium in Providence.
ExxonMobil Guyana powers the tournament.
Saturday’s national finals saw the three county champions—Cropper Primary (Berbice), Grove Primary (Demerara), and C.V. Nunes Primary (Essequibo)—battle for national supremacy.
The display of budding talent from all three teams was a pleasing sight, showcasing the depth of youth cricket in Guyana. Cropper Primary was the dominant force, winning both matches to claim the title deservedly.
In their opening encounter, Cropper Primary posted a formidable 117 for no loss in eight overs against C.V. Nunes Primary. The innings was spearheaded by Jayden Garner, who hammered an eye-catching 66 not out off just 22 balls, including six maximums and five fours.
He was ably supported by Anthony Fagelal, who contributed an unbeaten 37 off 23 deliveries, striking three fours and three sixes. In response, C.V. Nunes struggled to keep pace, reaching 53 for 4 from their allotted eight overs, with Kaysean Doodnauth top-scoring with 19. Khusal Seepaul was the pick of the Cropper bowlers, claiming 3 for 6 from his two overs.
Against Grove Primary, Cropper continued their aggressive batting, racking up another imposing total of 93 for 3.
Fagelal was once again a key contributor, making 48 off 35 balls, while Tejpaul Persaud added a quickfire 24 off 11 deliveries.
Roles Melville bowled well for Grove, taking 2 for 8, but his team’s batting faltered in the chase. Despite a spirited 32 off 17 balls from Joshua Ramotar, Grove could not reach the target.
In the other match of the day, C.V. Nunes Primary posted a strong 122 for no loss against Grove Primary, with Zach Madholall (41*) and Vidal Narine (39*) leading the charge.
Grove gave a spirited effort in response but fell short at 75 for 6, with Wayne Green (26), Sherwin Bunbury (15), and Daniel France (14*) making contributions. Kavroy Garraway took 2 for 9 and Madholall returned to claim 2 for 15 for C.V. Nunes.
As champions, Cropper Primary has earned a unique opportunity: they will now face the Guyana Amazon Warriors in a novelty match during the home leg of the Caribbean Premier League, scheduled from September 6-14.