The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) yesterday launched its 8th Annual Castrol Under-15 Inter County cricket competition at the GCB board office and the competition is being sponsored to the tune of G$1.4m. Simultaneous with the launching was the announcement that the Under-15 Youth World Cup would be hosted by the West Indies within the next two months.
Speaking at the launching of the tournament, Essequibo’s Cricket Board president and vice president of the GCB Alvin Johnson, who is the acting president of the GCB told those gathered including Castrol representative Leonard Khan, Marketing Officer of the GCB Ramsay Ally, chairman of the selection committee Claude Raphael and vice president of the GCB Malcolm Peters, how pleasing it was for the GCB to continue their partnership with the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) through its Castrol Brand.
“We at the GCB are very pleased to be associated with Castrol through Guyoil for the past eight years. Ever since 2000, Castrol has been a part of this competition and they are still continuing to play a major role in the grooming of our young cricketers” said Johnson.
Johnson continued “At some point in time, we need to see the fruits of our labour and with Castrol such can be a reality as we continue to surge ahead with the development of our young cricketers. Starting from the Scotiabank Kiddies cricket competition to this level of competition, our young cricketers need that type of guidance to gear them for the future as they pursue the game of cricket.”
Johnson also told the media that the Inter county competition is being used as a yard stick to select the Guyana under-15 team that will contest the West Indies under-15 championship and the GCB intends to give mileage to the sponsor as well as the assurance that the competition will be a keenly contested one.
“With regards to the Under-15 World Cup, the West Indies have been identified to host same with the dates set to be finalized.
Khan expressed his company’s delight at being a part of the GCB youth programme and pledge their support in the future.
“We at Castrol are pleased to be associated with the GCB over the past eight years. During this time, we have developed a close working relationship and hope that those who are benefitting from this gesture will take full advantage of the opportunity being given to them” said Khan.
He continued to state:” This can be seen as an opportunity to groom our young cricketers for future endeavors, and Guyoil through its Castrol brand is proud to be a part of such.”
The competition which will be a two day affair is scheduled to commence on Thursday 21st weather permitting. Demerara will face Essequibo at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground Bourda in the opening match.
Berbice are the defending champions and will be facing some very stern competition from Demerara and Essequibo.
Photo caption: Castrol representative Leonard Khan hands over the sponsorship cheque to acting president of the Guyana Cricket Board Alvin Johnson in the presence of from left: Chairman of the national selectors Claude Raphael, Lennox Hunte (chairman of the junior selectors), Terry Holder (PRO GCB), Malcolm Peters (vice president GCB) and Ramsay Ally (Marketing Officer GCB) at the GCB boardroom yesterday. (Photo by Clairmont Marcus)
