CRICKET

The competition, a spin-off of last year’s 40-Overs Club Championship boasts 16 teams including L’Esterre and Mt. Royal from the sister Isle of Carriacou.

With some teams being village teams, it is the hope of Tournament Director and Senior Cricket Coach in the Ministry of Sports, Raphael Croney, that “those that are not yet clubs [will] begin to form themselves in a structured group, so as to enhance the sport in their  village or community.”

Furthermore, it is the hope that the competition, due to its inclusiveness of youngsters, such as Keon George, captain of the National Under-15 Cricket team, will go a long way in enhancing the cricketing skills and character of young men throughout Grenada.

“If we have to develop cricket, we have to start at a very early age,” said Cecil Greenidge, president of the Grenada Cricket Association. Greenidge stated that to this end, the Association will be starting a Talent Identification Programme and hosting an Under-13 competition this year.

In keeping with 20/20 tradition, the competition offers up for grabs cash prizes including a first place prize of $8,000, a second place prize of$ 5,000, a third place prize of $3,000 and other individual prizes.

But by far, the greatest outcome achievable by teams and even more so individual players is the potential to gain regional exposure.

According to NLA General Manager, Kenneth Noel, “If the tournament is successful, recommendation would be made [to other Super Six members] to have a windward island 20/20 competition next year. Such a competition could serve as the perfect platform in allowing talented Grenadian cricketers to be identified by greater regional bodies.

It is the potential for such discovery and the reality of the “importance of the game to Grenada, the Windwards and to the region,” according to Hon. Patrick Simmons, Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports that made it necessary for the Ministry, when approached by the NLA to host this competition, to partner with the Grenada Cricket Association in making it a reality.


SIX OF GRENADA’S GREATS RECEIVE AWARDS

Whilst attempting to create opportunities for Grenada’s players to become more developed in their craft and be recognized by regional bodies, the Ministry and Association’s partnership saw it fitting to take the time to acknowledge those, who excelled at the sport in yesteryear, but who due to the unfortunate culture at the time were unable to realize their full potential.

Six previous national players, including James “Ox” Johnson, Evelyn Gresham, Victor Joseph, Joseph Gibbs, Tyrone Harbin and Oswald Clovey, were celebrated for their development and the talent they exhibited in the decades in which they played.
Though only four of the six greats were present, each and every one of the honourees had their claims to fame broadcasted by master of ceremony Jason Skeete before receiving a chiselled glass award from Minister Simmons.

It is the Ministry’s hope to continue this new tradition of honouring Grenada’s great cricketers in the coming years.


THREE MATCHES PLAYED ON DAY ONE OF THE NATIONAL 20/20 CRICKET CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

With the formalities concluded, three matches were held simultaneously at different fields in St. Andrew and St. David.

At Progress Park, Idlers, batting first, took on Hermitage/Rose Hill but were unsuccessful in their attempt to start off strong. Their 153 runs in 18 overs was beaten by Hermitage/Rose Hill’s 155 for five in 19.3 overs.

At Victoria Park, Morne Jaloux, having reached 70 without loss in eight overs, bowled out by Mt. Royal for 69 in 15 overs.

Playing at the La Sagesse Playing field, L’Esterre, having batted first producing 137 for 6, defended their score to the very end, limiting Police to 133 for 6.

The games continue today Sunday, January 17, at four grounds around the island.

At the Tanteen playing field, L’Esterre will play Morne Jaloux from 10 am and G.C.C. will play Westerhall from 2 pm.

At La Sagesse, Police will play Mt. Royal from 10 am and Mt. Horne will play Requin from 2 pm.

At Progress Park, Idlers will play Gouyave Estate from 10 am and Lesborne will play Hermitage/Rose Hill from 2 pm.

And at Fond, Redmud will play Maran from 10 am and Mt. Rich Will play Youths from 2 pm.