By Frederick Halley

OVER the years, more so in the 1980s-1990s, two of Guyana’s top cricket clubs, Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) and Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), produced rivalries that were perhaps second to none on the local scene.
Despite those rivalries, players from both clubs also became acquaintances while on and off the field of play.
Through the efforts of the Dodson family, who are staunch associates/past players of MSC, that rivalry will be renewed with the staging of the Andrew Lyght Unity Cup. Plans for the staging of the tournament were disclosed at Tuesday’s launching, held at the MSC pavilion on Thomas Lands, Georgetown.
Dubbed “Revive The Rivalry,” the annual 40-over feature is slated to commence at the DCC ground in Queenstown following the completion of the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40 World Cup, set to start in Guyana on October 17. The venues will then alternate in succeeding years.
According to Dr. Linden Dodson, his family is prepared to donate $1M (Guyana) per year for the tournament with the two teams and the organisers working together to decide on the modalities.
Dodson further pointed out that any other sponsors, whether from the two clubs or outsiders, are welcome on board.
Junior Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, himself a past member of MSC, commended the Dodson family for the great initiative, pointing out that they have been contributing to the development of MSC over the years and still continue to do so.
According to Minister Jacobs, while the initiative is very appreciated, he called for support for other cricketers who would have made significant contributions to the game.
The minister pointed out that the late no-nonsense opener was called ‘Monster’ for his aggressive batting style and called on young cricketers to emulate him.
In reference to journalist and former MSC player, Sean Devers, who chaired yesterday’s proceedings, that both clubs produced Ministers of Sports, the other being the late Roy Fredericks (DCC), Minister Jacobs jokingly said he may come out of retirement to play in the feature after earlier pointing out that he wasn’t in the same calibre of Fredericks who donned whites while being a Minister to register a First Class double hundred versus Jamaica at Bourda.
Lyght, who represented Guyana and the West Indies B team, died on April 16, 2001, just shy of his 45th birthday. He played in 38 First Class and 17 List A matches for Guyana and Demerara.
Among others at the launching of the tournament were former Guyana and West Indies player and current DCC Vice-President Roger Harper, former MSC and National fast bowler Colwyn Cort, who is visiting from England, Attorney Emily Dodson, Dillon Moffat, a member of the Dodson family and a few players from both clubs.