Heavy rainfall yesterday washed out the first day’s play of the opening match of the Guyana Cricket Board three-day U19 competition between the President’s XI and Berbice at the Everest Sports Club ground.
The competition which has been sponsored by insurance giants Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Company (GTM) for the past 36 years, was scheduled to get underway yesterday with two matches but play was only possible in one match between Essequibo and Demerara at Wales.
As a result of the abandoned first day the teams will now have to work overtime in the remaining two days in an effort to secure first innings points, or is possible an outright win.
Coach of the President’s XI team Adrian Amsterdam said that his team was in low spirits after the first day was washed out.
“The boys had a productive net session yesterday and were looking forward to a positive first day of play,” Amsterdam, son of former Guyana opening batsman the late Leslie Amsterdam, told Stabroek Sport.
“Our squad is a development team; that is, a combination of guys from all over the country, but we gel together as a unit nevertheless. Our main goal is to do well and win the competition,” he added.
Renrick Batson, coach of the Berbice team oozed confidence.
“The boys are not affected by this setback; we are still very positive and optimistic about what we set out to do.
“Our goal is an outright win, if not securing first inning points is the main priority. Our bowlers are classy and are capable of bowling the opposition out before tea,” he added.
Batson said players such as opener Shimron Hetmyer, who he said was in good form with the bat along with David Latchaya (who recently took seven wickets and scored 47 in a zone game) skipper Shawn Perreira, Parmanand Narine, Romario Sheperd were the players to look out for in addition to a few x-factor players who could help swing the game his team’s way.
“The team has their goals set on winning the remaining matches in the competition and securing the much needed points from this first game,” he added.
Weather permitting; the President’s XI will face Berbice today at the same venue with two days of action remaining.
