The Brainstreet Group joined the growing list of sponsors of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) with the launching of an Under-15 One-Day tournament that commences on Tuesday with five matches at various grounds in the city. The competition, which was launched on Friday at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) pavilion, will feature 10 teams, inclusive of teams from Saint Stanislaus College and Queen’s College and the Police Ladies A squad.
The competition will be twofold – with the first part being a round robin format for the Brainstreet Shield while in the second part the four top teams will play the knockout version for the Brainstreet Cup. According to vice-president and Cricket Development Officer (CDO) in the GCA, Neil Barry, this one-day tournament will be one with a difference. He noted that 100 overs will be played but the side batting first will have 55 overs while the side chasing will have 45 overs to surpass the total posted by the side batting first.
Barry, a former national player, said this competition will be used as a yardstick to select the Georgetown under-15 team, which will be the start of the process towards selection for national duties. He stressed that the aim of the competition is for players to fully utilise their cognitive skills on the field and about varying match situations. All matches will commence at 09:30 hours. “If the first team is dismissed in less than 55 overs the second team will have their 45 plus whatever number of the 55 the first team failed to use up. The first team could also declare as this format places the emphasis on winning and securing bonus points. This should force captains and teams to think more since they will not be able to just go out and set defensive fields and play for a draw, Barry said.He added, “The regional tournament is a two-day competition and
while time constraints did not allow us playing a two-day competition we structured this tournament along the lines of the English League system.”
President of the GCA Roger Harper, in his address, underscored the need for balance between academics and sport. This was also part of the rationale when the competition was planned to take place during the school break. Apart from that, Harper and his executives hope this will be an opportunity for parents and players’ peers to come out and support the competition.
He also indicated that the name of the company is apt while also expressing his gratitude for the sponsorship.
“It’s great to see a sponsorship with the name BrainStreet being involved in youth cricket at a time when clearer, smarter and definitive thinking is lacking in many of our young cricketers,” Harper explained.The company, which has its roots in education and technology, and headed by president of MSC Lance Hinds is committed to providing the best services along with strengthening relations with the GCA.
Hinds said that he was pleased to be the corporate partner of the competition since as a sports administrator he understands the need for youth development. “The timing of this competition is good since it will not impinge on exams. We have committed for one year with the option of another once the competition is a success,” Hinds stated. Meanwhile, it was learnt that the Police Ladies will not qualify to win the competition but points earned by the males will go towards their League points. There will also be several educational incentives that will be awarded to outstanding players. Shawn Massiah, Chairman of the GCA Competitions Committee, stated that in the opening round, Everest will face GCC at Everest, GYO take on MSC at GYO, Transport battle DCC ‘B’ at GDF, QC face off against Saints at MYO and Police Ladies oppose DCC at DCC. The 
GCA also invited captains and coaches from all the clubs which are scheduled to participate in the competition to attend a meeting tomorrow at the Muslim Youth Organization, Woolford Avenue, at 17:30 hours. This meeting will be to discuss the new format of the competition and any other related matter.
