Rivalry renewed as GCC battle DCC in 40-over final

 All to play for! GCC’s Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed (left) and DCC’s Lawrence Smith poses with the GCA/NBS Second Division 40-overs trophy
All to play for! GCC’s Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed (left) and DCC’s Lawrence Smith poses with the GCA/NBS Second Division 40-overs trophy

The longstanding rivalry between Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) will be renewed when the two clash in the final of the sixth Georgetown Cricket Association/New Building Society second-division 40-overs tournament today at DCC, Queenstown.

Easily the most dominant team in the history of the tournament, GCC, having won the tournament in the first three seasons including claiming the title in controversial circumstances in the inaugural season over DCC will feel confident since they have handed DCC their only loss this year.

However, DCC, which won the title two seasons ago against GCC knows what it is like to win the tournament but will be wary of their mistakes last season when they lost to Transport Sports Club.

Nevertheless, both teams are in high spirits heading into the final showdown.

Speaking with Stabroek Sport, home captain, Lawrence Smith, said he basically expects DCC to come out on top and produce a good all round game.

He said that it is all about sticking to the basics and executing their plans in order to come out victorious at the end of the day even with the advantage of playing at home.

DCC has dominated the various divisions across the country in recent times and Smith is of the opinion that the second-division team will follow suit having played outstanding cricket in the tournament so far.

With their loss coming at the hands of GCC, he believes that the team has since gotten its act together and is ready for the rematch, blaming carefree cricket and poor execution for the loss.

GCC’s Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed said that it is a big game today and acknowledged the opposition as a strong unit but was also confident his team can put up a good fight and come out on top.

While there are no special tricks in the bag for GCC, the think tank aims to come with their natural game and assess the situation as the match goes on, sticking to the basics and capitalizing on opportunities.

Ali-Mohammed, who has been in tremendous form with both bat and ball this season, is cognizant of his role in the side but noted that it was not a one man show pointing to the likes of Bernard Bailey, Chetram Persaud, Joshua Wade and others in the side.

The first ball is expected to bowl off from 10.15hrs and the presentation ceremony follows immediately after the match ends.