The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday launched their 6th annual Republic Bank Under-17 Inter-Zone tournament, with the bank donating $200,000, along with committing to provide uniforms for the finalists.
Administrative Officer of the BCB Alisa Moonsee at a simple media launch, expressed the board’s pleasure that Republic Bank was once again sponsoring the tournament which provides a crucial link to Berbice cricket as it bridges the gap between the U-15 and U-19 levels and plays a very important role in assisting in the development of the young cricketers as they transition to a higher level.
The tournament features West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne.
New Amsterdam/Canje will clash with West Berbice while Lower and Upper Corentyne will compete
in the opening round of the tournament with the two winners going on to play in the finals.
The two losing semi-finalists will return to clash in the finals for third place. Based on the results and performance, the Berbice U-17 inter county team will be selected.
Vice-President of the BCB Anil Beharry and Chairman of the special events committee Hilbert Foster both expressed gratitude to Republic Bank for its continued investment in Berbice cricket.
Beharry stated that the BCB would be going into schools to unearth new talent for Berbice cricket as the board strives to ensure that the game continues to grow in the ancient county.
Foster noted that Republic Bank over the years has assisted the BCB in several projects and these include the annual award ceremony and review magazine.
Manager of the bank’s New Amsterdam branch, Randolph Sears lauded the relationship between the BCB and Republic Bank, noting that the bank was pleased to be associated with Berbice Cricket. He expressed confidence that the tournament would be well organised and would achieve all of its objectives.
