The Berbice Cricket Board’s already packed 2012 cricket season got even busier with the launching of the Republic Bank Under-17 Inter-zone tournament.
The tournament was launched last Thursday at the Berbice Cricket Board’S office, Dr. Cheddi Jagan Street, New Amsterdam, with the bank handing over a cheque for $200,000.
Chairman of the BCB Special Events Committee, Hilbert Foster, stated that the fourth annual tournament will involve teams from West Berbice, New Amsterdam/ Canje, Lower Corentyne and Central/Upper Corentyne.
Players born on or after January 1, 1996 are eligible to play and teams will be selected based on performances in the Memorex/ Leslie Amster-dam Memorial Under-17 Inter-club tournament.
An Elite 30 man Under-17 squad would be selected after the completion of the tournament for possible selection to the Berbice Under-17 team.
Treasurer of the BCB, Anil Beharry hailed Republic Bank (Guy) Ltd as a true friend of Berbice Cricket.
Republic Bank, Beharry stated has played a major role in the restoration of cricket in Berbice as the bank also co-sponsored the BCB Annual Awards Ceremony and Magazine.
Manager of the Republic Bank, New Amsterdam Branch Imran Saccoor in brief remarks spoke of his admiration of the work of the Berbice Cricket Board especially its aggressive drive to unearth and develop new cricketing talents. Republic Bank, Saccoor said, was committed to the development of sports and sees its investment in Berbice as a worthwhile one. He challenged the board to uphold the very high standard it has set itself and pledged the co-operation of Republic Bank in the future.
The fixture of the tournament would see West Berbice and Lower Corentyne/Black Bush Polder clashing at the Port Mourant Ground and New Amsterdam/Canje playing Central/Upper Corentyne at the Cumberland ground. The two losers would clash for third place while the two top teams would play in the final at a venue to be decided.
