A start studded Chase Academy is set to play the team oriented Uitvlugt Secondary School in the final of the Inter-School phase of the GCB National Secondary School Cricket League sponsored by Banks DIH LTD Coco Cola and Rainforest Water along with Digicel, at GCC on Friday, 26 February 2016 from 11:00hrs.
The League which commenced on 15 November, 2016, engaged over 150 Secondary Schools across the country in Zonal and District league formats. The two dimensional cricket league structure – the Inter School phase and the Combine Elite (of Zones and Districts) phase, comprised two main country districts, that of Upper Demerara to Essequibo Coast and Georgetown to Upper Corentyne (Skeldon), with Uitvlugt Secondary School emerging winners for the former and Chase Academy for the latter.
Both Uitvlugt Secondary School and Chase Academy played undefeated all the way to the finals, with Uitvlugt Secondary convincingly defeating Linden Foundation Secondary in the nationwide semi-final. It must be noted that an Upper Demerara team was able to reach the semi-finals of the Inaugural GCB/ Banks DIH LTD/ Digicel NSSCL, a feat that must be commended since it is felt that the upper Demerara schools were less exposed to actual cricket practises and competition. Nevertheless, they fiercely competed with those schools and players that is believed to possess more experience than them, and for this, acclamations is in order for Linden Foundation Secondary for progressing to the semi-final stage.
From the country district of Georgetown to Corentyne, Chase Academy handsomely defeated Lower Corentyne Secondary in the other nationwide semi-final to emerge winners, and to set up a classic final between the team oriented Uitvlugt Secondary and themselves. This final shall indeed be the definitive test and proclamation of true champions, as both teams will be keen to command their authority and overall dominance of the 2015/2016 GCB/ Banks DIH LTD/ Digicel NSSCL.
Uitvlugt Secondary School is likely to field performing players such as captain and all-rounder Dodi Oslemo, who is a middle order batsman, but has also done well opening the batting, middle order batsman Chandrapaul Mohabir, fast bowler Reyaz Khan, off spinner Troy Drakes and all-rounder Reddell Reedy who generally bats number 3 and bowls right arm leg spin. These players will combine with other talented teammates to lead the Uitvlugt Seconary School charge against the formidable Chase Academy.
Chase Academy, is expected to produce a powerful side with the likes of captain and all-rounder Ashmead Nedd, who has performed exceptionally throughout the league, scoring 4 fifties, with a top score of 96 against Lower Corentyne Secondary in the nationwide semi-finals and also grabbing two 5 wicket hauls, which included an excellent spell of bowling, to return the amazing figures of 6 wickets for 11 runs against Roses High School. Wicket Keeper batsman Joshua Persaud is expected to build on his useful starts with the bat, to lend valuable support to his team. Kirk Lovell who generally bats at number 4, is expected to continue his brilliant form with the bat, to add to his registered 3 fifties in the league, which includes a top score of 96, while all-rounder Dwayne Dick, who generally plays the number six batsman role remarkably well, is anticipated to continue his amazing form with the ball, a form that has earned him a six wicket haul in the league – a testimony to terrific bowling skills.
It is expected that close proximity schools are likely to send some of their students to witness the finals, which is expected to cumulate by 15: 00 hours on Friday 26 February 2016, at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground with a simple ceremony.