The Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Company Limited has partnered with the Guyana Cricket Board for the staging of its Inter-County U19 three-day and 50-over round cricket tournament. This tournament also included the National U17 cricket team.
The tournament was launched on Friday, 19th February, 2016 at the Company’s head office, Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown. The first match commenced on Wednesday, 13th April, 2016. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Secretary of the GCB Anand Sanasie said they are happy for the partnership and noted that Guyana won the Regional U15 and U19 tournament for the past two years, adding that the youths will definitely gain from this venture. “This sponsorship comes at a welcoming time, since the GCB sets out to implement a formidable structure geared at creating fair play, discipline and commitment. To attain such a valuable cricket model, the GCB requires the support of reliable and trusted partners,” he added. Sanasie said that the significance of such backing cannot be underestimated, since this competition has contributed immensely to a number of former and current players. He stated that the victorious West Indies U19 World Cup Captain Shimron Hetmyer, Vice-Captain Keemo Paul and Wicket-Keeper Tevin Imlach have all came through the GCB U19 tournament as well as Askhaya Persaud who was in the 18-member team but suffered an injury prior to the team’s departure for Bangladesh.
GCB head Drubahadur thanked the company for their input and said the tournament will be played in professional manner so the sponsors can get their full worth. The entity’s Fire Director, Howard Cox explained that they are happy to be on board and looks forward to a successful competition. He informed that Hand-in-Hand has been involved in cricket for almost 50 years. “Our company feels cricket is utmost important and it is amazing to see that our cricketers have proven to be the best in the region,” he posited. He pointed out that there is lots of talent out there and the company will play their part in exposing the youths. Cox extended congratulations to Hetmyer, Paul and Imlach on their success in the World Cup and wished them successful careers.
The tournament which was completed on Sunday, 22nd May, 2016 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence started off smoothly with Hand-in-Hand representatives on site at each ground for the presentation ceremony at the end of each match. However, the tournament was hindered for a few days by the continuous rainfall throughout the country. Wales CDC, Enterprise, Georgetown Cricket Club, Demerara Cricket Club and Everest Cricket Club, the fastest drying ground in the city must be credited in helping the GCB/Hand-in-Hand Insurance to stage yet another successful competition by allowing the usage of their facilities. The finals came to an exciting end with Demerara being declared the winner after they defeated Berbice of the GCB/Hand-in-Hand Insurance U19 Cricket Tournament.
