Once again in the matter of days, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is pleased to extend heartiest congratulations to another Guyana team for being crowned the WICB Regional U-19 3-day Champions for 2014. The victorious Guyana Under 19ers followed closely on the heels of their younger Under 15 counterparts who just outplayed Jamaica and most of the other teams away in Jamaica to capture that title. This now makes Guyana the winners of 2 WICB youth championships out of possible 4 for the year 2014. Our Under 17 team had also given a good account of themselves in TT but, unfortunately, suffered from having one of their games completely washed out. However, the GCB is extremely encouraged by the professional attitude, dedication and teamwork displayed by this bunch of players.
Our Under 19 boys played like champions and deserve nothing less than the coveted 3 day title which had eluded them for years. Guyana started the tournament a bit indifferently with a draw against Windward Islands, but grew in strength and confidence with 2 comprehensive victories against powerhouses, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago when our 2 established WI and First Class players came to the party.
The GCB joins with the rest of Guyana in congratulating the management and entire team of players on a well-deserved victory and notes the synergy and teamwork displayed by the entire team. There were some praiseworthy individual performances from a few players; against Trinidad and Tobago, Tagenarine Chanderpaul held the lone Guyana innings together with a remarkable unbeaten century; and, when Guyana was staring down the barrel of defeat in their second innings against the Windward Islands, Kemo Paul’s determination and resilience resurrected the innings with a brilliant 90. Against Barbados, Steven Sankar was exceptional with the ball, capturing a 5-wicket haul whilst Shimron Hetmyer registered a classy century.
The Board now urges the team to remain focused and make the necessary adjustments for the 50 overs format of the game during the next few weeks and ensure that they make their home advantage count with a third youth championship for this year.
We have been blessed with a month of relative stability on the cricket administrative front and this environment has been capitalized upon by our youngsters who have demonstrated what can be achieved when the determination and stable environment is present. These young players have proven that Guyana is rich with talent and can produce world class players again once everyone works together to put the interest of cricket and the players first. The Executive and members of the GCB recommits to continue working to move cricket forward in Guyana and further afield.