Local beverage giant Banks DIH launched two major cricket tournaments yesterday the first billed to take place on Sunday in Berbice.
At the launching at Thirst Park, members of the media were briefed on the Banks Beer-sponsored four-team T20 Festival on Sunday at the Albion Sports Complex ground organised by Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC).
They were also given information on the Power Stout six-a-side tapeball competition planned by the Guyana Tapeball League.
Sunday’s Festival will feature some of Guyana’s leading first class cricketers representing Newline Cavaliers of Georgetown, Corentyne Titans, West Berbice Super Kings and New Amsterdam/Canje Tigers.
Team will battle for a top prize of $500,000.
Among the players expected to take part are national players Lennox Cush, Christopher Barnwell, Mahendra Nagamootoo and Travis Dowlin.
Gomattie Dubardia, PMCC Treasurer, disclosed that the Festival is intended to be a fund-raising event to garner funds to erect a new pavilion at the Port Mourant ground.
She said that the programme will start at 10:00 hours with a feature match between Port Mourant Under-17 and Young Stars teams who will battle for $60,000 donated by Demerara Bank Ltd.
There will be a drawing today at Little Rock Hotel to pair the four teams for the two semi-finals.
Dubardia thanked Banks DIH for supporting the Festival.
The runner-up will take home $300,000 while the other two competing team will each receive $100,000 with the final scheduled to be played under floodlights.
The Man of the Match will secure $60,000 compliments of A. Ally and Sons.
Banks DIH Power Stout Consultant Michael Fung disclosed that his company was pleased to be in partnership with PMCC in this venture.
He said the club has a rich history and has produced some of Guyana and the West Indies’ leading cricketers including Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Alvin Kallicharran and Ivan Madray.
Tickets are being sold at Banks New Amsterdam branch, Poonai Pharmacy and other locations in Berbice and at Anthony Creations, City Mall in Georgetown.
According to Dubardia, the price of admission will be $1000 while children under 12 years will receive free admission.
The Power Stout Tapeball League will kick off next Wednesday after inclement weather forced a postponement from yesterday at Thirst Park ground. Close to 50 teams drawn from around the country are expected to compete in the event.
Organising Secretary of the GTL, Kurt Wilson, said five matches will be played on the opening day with Banks DIH opposing KMS Eleven at 17:00 hours, Dyna’s Bravado will tackle Bent Street XI, Public Hospital will battle with Movie Stars, SSS Manufacturers will take on National Shipping and Old Road Stars will meet Finewood Marketing.
The teams will be divided into zones and according to Wilson there are already four zones with the likelihood of a fifth should there be 50 teams.
President of the GTL, Shane Austin, thanked Banks DIH for its support and noted that tapeball cricket fans can expect a treat.
The winning team will secured a first prize of $100,000 and the Power Stout Trophy, while the runner-up side will receive $25,000 while each zone winners will receive a case of Banks Power Stout.
Fung in brief remarks said that Banks DIH will be sponsoring several events soon under the Power Stout brand.
He urged fans to come out and support the matches since they will be played at Thirst Park under floodlights.
Also present at the launching were Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters and officials from the two organisations.