Chase Academy defeated Uitvlugt Secondary in the final of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) Inter-Schools sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd Coco Cola and Rainforest Water along with Digicel.

Playing at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, both teams came into the competition on a high, having emerged champions of their respective country Districts, Chase Academy for the Georgetown to Corentyne District, and Uitvlugt for the Upper Demerara to Essequibo Coast District. Going into todays’ finals, a lot was exected of both teams, since they were both possessed players of quality and experience. However, Chase academy was deemed to be star studded, while Uitvlugt Secondary School was dubbed to be the more team oriented team.

It was truly a match, befitting a finals, as Uitvlugt won the toss and elected to field. Initially, it appeared a great decision, as Uitvlugt fast bowler Reaz Khan send back two of Chase Academy batsmen to the pavilion in the early stages of their innings. The Uitvlugt bowlers continued to place enormous among of pressure on the batsmen, making the scoring difficult for them. Nevertheless, it was the heroics of batsman Joshua Persuad, with a classy knock of 104 that was instrumental in turning the tide around for Chase Academy. At the end of their innings, it was that Joshua Persaud’s definitive knock that pulled Chase Academy out of their early troubles and place them in a highly competitive position of 199/9 from their allotted 30 overs. Bowling for Uitvlugt Secondary School, Dodi Oslemo grabbed 4/28, and Reaz Khan 3/28.

In reply, Chanderpaul Mohabir topped score with a brilliant 76 which caused much concern for the Chase Academy camp. Uitvlugt Secondary School did a fantastic job of chasing the runs set by Chase Academy, and seemed somewhat in control, as the Georgetown Chase Academy players seemed to be spelled bound by the skill prowess of the West Demerara boys. Uitvlugt Secondary seemed to have their mental capacities more fix on achieving their goals. On the contrary, the Chase Academy players appeared to be self-inflicting themselves as catches gone a begging, miss fields coupled by the receipt of glorious stroke play by the Uitvlugt batsmen, clearly appeared to baffle the Chase Academy players, sending in a state of disarray – as some of the Chase Academy players fell to the group in disappointment, while of raised their arms and heads in disgust at poor fielding and were subdued by excellent batting display by the Uitvlugt secondary school batsmen.
In the end, Chase Academy players regrouped and held their nerves to defeat Uitvlugt secondary school, they were bowled out 181 off 29. 3 overs. Bowling for Chase Academy Lester Cupidora took 3/13, Dwayne Dick 2/26, and Joshua Persaud 2/40, to crown Chase Academy the 2015/2016 GCB/ Banks DIH LTD/ Digicel NSSCL (Inter Schools’) Champion. Joshua Persaud was adjudged Man-of-the-match for his excellent all-round efforts.

The match was watched by over a hundred spectators, giving semblance to a rebirth of spectator support for cricket, as scores of individuals of all ages cheered the day’s exciting and enthralling activities.

Representative of both sponsors were on hand to witness and present prizes to the fitting recipients. Noticeable representatives from Banks DIH LTD, were Errol Nelson (brand manager for Coco Cola), Clive Pellew (brand manager Rain Forest waters), and Representative Romesh Persaud. Digicel representatives included, Vidia Sanichara (Public relations manager) and Louanna Abrams (senior sponsorship and events executive). The GCB representatives at the presentation ceremony were Secretary, Anand Sanasie and Territorial development Officer, Colin Stuart.

With this victory, Chase Academy has earned the right to play in the Sir Garfield Sobers Tournament 2016 in Barbados.

The GCB/ Banks DIH LTD/ Digicel NSSCL (Combine Elite) Fianls will be played Thursday March 3, 2016 from 09;30 at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground.