Valentine magic spoils British Guiana’s first tour to Jamaica 1951

By Stabroek News On In Sports |
Standing (left to right) – Alwyn Rollox, Ganesh Persaud, Brian Patoir, Leslie Wight, Clifford Mc Watt, and Lennie Thomas Centre Row (left to right) – Peter Bayley, F. I. deCaires (manager), Berkley Gaskin (captain), Robert Christiani, and John Trim Bottom Row (left to right) – J. Allen, Leroy Jackman, Peter Wight, and Cecil Thomas
Standing (left to right) – Alwyn Rollox, Ganesh Persaud, Brian Patoir, Leslie Wight, Clifford Mc Watt, and Lennie Thomas Centre Row (left to right) – Peter Bayley, F. I. deCaires (manager), Berkley Gaskin (captain), Robert Christiani, and John Trim Bottom Row (left to right) – J. Allen, Leroy Jackman, Peter Wight, and Cecil Thomas

By Charwayne Walker

Cricket rivalry between Jamaica and British Guiana (BG) began in 1896 when the two teams met in Georgetown at Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Bourda. British Guiana won the inaugural clash by an innings and 45 runs.

In the series finale, the Guyanese won by 1 wicket. The next time these two teams would meet was October 1947, and the venue was again GCC Bourda. British Guiana was led by Peter Bayley while Jamaica was led by the legendary George Headley. The two teams played to a draw in both matches.