Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) yesterday launched its Banks DIH Sprite Twenty20 cricket competition for first division teams in Berbice which is being sponsored by the beverage giant on the local market to the tune of $806,000.
At a simple ceremony in the conference room at the Thirst Park Complex, secretary of the club Hilbert Foster informed those gathered, including marketing executive of Banks DIH Carlton Joao and Sprite brand manager Jennifer Khan, that the idea of the competition which carries a first prize of $100,000 and a trophy was born since last year.
“Since last year, the executives of the RHTY&SC wanted to host a Twenty20 tournament but due to a packed schedule of activities, we were unable to do such. We are pleased to announce today that Banks DIH, one of our main sponsors has joined hands with us to host this competition that will see 12 first division teams in Berbice competing,” Foster said.
Foster added that over the last 12 years, he could not recall an idea or vision of the executives of the RHTY&SC which did not become a reality.
Teams participating in the competition will have much to play for as the format will be a knockout one with the two top teams competing in the final. RHTY&SC Cricket Development Committee will organise the competition and has assured the sponsors of a smooth operation.
“Our aim is to return West Indies cricket to the top by inspiring cricketers, officials and supporters to be the best they can be and over the years we have done so successfully. Apart from being the leading youth and sports club in Guyana, we have been able to make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of youths,” Foster stated.
He disclosed that in 2008 the club would be playing a major role in the Special Events Committee of the Berbice Cricket Board of Control in an effort to move cricket in the county to another level and become the role model, not only to all other Boards in Guyana, but the West Indies as well.
Prior to the start of the launching, Foster asked for one minute’s silence in memory of former Banks DIH Public Relations Officer (PRO) Ian (Chappy) Hercules who passed away suddenly last year.
“Hercules was a very good friend to the members of RHTY&SC and in memory of him, we would be renaming our Cricketer of the Year award the Ian Hercules Memorial Award, a gesture Hercules would have been proud of if he was alive today.”
Joao thanked the club for its decision to name the award in honour of Hercules.
“Chappy was an integral man here at Banks DIH and I cannot think of a better way to express my gratitude to the members of RHTY&SC forthis gesture. We are also proud to be a part of the club and this competition,” said Joao.
Meanwhile, for the first time ever in Guyana, there would be a Man of the Match and a Play of the Match in every game in this competition, with the recipients receiving a cash prize of $2,000. The winner of the Play of the Final will receive $5,000.
The organizers and sponsors would stand the cost of umpires fees and balls as well as assist in transportation costs for teams who have to travel. The two teams who will contest the final will be outfitted with t-shirts along with the umpires who are officiating in the match which will be carried live on NCN Radio.
Musical entertainment, a bowl out and throw the cricket ball competitions are all part of the entertainment planned for the final day of the competition which will begin during the first week in March.
Teams taking part in the competition would be Albion, Scottsburg, Bermine, Canje, Young Warriors, Blairmont, Port Mourant, Skeldon, Rose Hall Town Windies Sports Bar, Police Sports Club, West Berbice and Kildonan.
The runner-up will receive $50,000 while the losing semi- finalists will each pocket $25,000 and the Man of the Match of the final $15,000. Attractive cash prizes will also be given to the best bowler, batsman and all rounder of the competition which will see matches commencing from 14:00hrs (2pm)
