Essequibo deservedly lifts the 2017 GCB/ Jaguars 3 Days League championship title, after seven rounds of consistent outstanding Performances.
Essequibo started the league in spectacular fashion, when in the first round they defeated previous league champions, Lower Corentyne to lead the points table. Since then, Essequibo was able to maintain their lead by also gaining outright victories over West Berbice, Georgetown and Upper Corentyne, while still managing to gain valuable points from drawn matches against Upper Demerara/ East Bank, East Coast Demerara and West Demerara.
Essequibo’ s success must be attributed to the hard work and team effort which has been exemplified on the field of play round after round, with different players making important contributions with bat and or ball. Their fielding effort has also been an integral element to their success, as they capitalized on catch chances offered, created run outs and at strategic times reduced their opponents’ rate of scoring.
Essequibo’s all rounders, Keemo Paul, Ricardo Adams, bowlers, Anthony Adams, Akeeni Adams, and batsman Mark Williams have all made significant contributions to the team’s success, with Anthony Adams receiving the best all rounder and MVP awards.
Gudakesh Motie gaining the trophies and $40,000 prize money for aggregating the most wickets, and best fielder in the tournament.
CGI Franchise player, Akshaya Persaud received the trophy and $20, 000 for accumulating the most runs in the league, that of over 523, while a trophy and $20,000 each, also went to Best wicket keeper, Kemol Savory.
Ronaldo Ali Mohamed was adjudged the Most Promising Player of the league, with an aggregate score of over 447 runs, and minimum of 13 wickets also Captained the Upper Demerara/ East Bank Franchise in the league.
Upper Corentyne finishing on 78.7 points, received the runners up trophy and $250,000 gaining the prize, due mainly to their quantum leap in the final round when they surpassed previous second place team, Lower Cornetyne, to secure this favorable position.
Previous GCB/ Jaguars 3 Days League champions,Lower Corentyne finished in third position with approximately 69.7 points.
Essequibo lifted the 2017 GCB Jagars 3-Day league trophy by accumulating 88 points.
This brings to the end, the second edition of the GCB/CGI Jaguar 3 day league which can be clearly considered better than our inaugural tournament last year. It is hoped that we can continue to improve at all levels to make this the primary first class competition in the longer version of the game. Sponsors have started to show interest and with the 50 Overs and T 20 formats coming up, we hope to be fully sponsored by the third edition.
The board expended in excess of 20 Million Dollars on this tournament alone with the hope that more cricketers and officials can be developed for national duty and thereafter making the grade for selection at regional and CWI levels.
Congratulations to Essequibo team and the ECB, you have silenced your critics but we encourage you to stay focused and replicate at all formats and levels. Congratulations are also in order for all the outstanding performances. Guyana’s cricket is in your hands we are just here to guide the process. Look out for new initiatives in women and T20 cricket development.