Thursday June 15, 2017
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Digicel Schools Football Championship
RHTY&SC Patron’s Green Economy Cricket Tournament
Mahaicony edge host Belladrum following intense battle
KSM Investment and V-Net Communication on board as sponsors
The community of Belladrum, West Coast Berbice came out in their numbers to welcome the Digicel Schools Football Championship to their venue for the first time in the seven-year history of the competition, but left dejected after Belladrum Secondary fell 1-2 to the visiting Mahaicony Secondary yesterday afternoon. It was not the first time and wouldn’t be the last that a team which have dominated proceedings did not win as was the case yesterday despite the constant cheering on by the home supporters. The match kicked off with both teams showing some ring rust but as the match matured; they both got into their stride. Belladrum made a few enterprising runs but lacked the requisite resolve to make the chances created count. The diminutive presence of the burly Oinyi Hytmiah in goal for Mahaicony also played its role in keeping the h o m e t e a m a t b a y. H y t m i a h ’s o p p o s i t e n u m b e r, E m o i l B y a s s was also excellent in goal for Belladrum but ended up on the losing end like they did last year. It was Mahaicony which took the lead in the 30th minute and this was so
Hilbert Foster receives sponsorship from V-Net CEO Safraz Sheriffudeen.
Nebert Sears (right) and Dequand Gomes - Mahaicony Secondary School due to a handled ball in the area from a Belladrum player. The ensuring penalty kick was drilled into the back of the nets by Nebert Sears as the elated boys from Mahaicony celebrated their good fortune. The lead by the visiting team would stand until the 75th minute when, like the visitors, the home team were gifted a penalty in similar circumstances to the first one awarded. This opportunity was created owing to relentless
offensive work from the home side. Ntini Bobb was given the opportunity to take the spot kick and did not disappoint himself, teammates or the sizable crowd of supporters as they erupted in applause for the long overdue equaliser. It was exactly what the doctor had ordered for the Belladrum side, but even as they continued to dominate proceedings, Mahaicony q u ietly made a few counterattacking runs of their own whenever they could have.
Wi t h t i m e t i c k i n g away and the tension rising, out of the blues, Byass had a lapse in concentration as he advanced recklessly which allowed an opening for Mahaicony to tap in the go ahead goal and that was exactly what transpired when Duquand Gomes tapped the ball into an open goal with Byass out of position in the 90+1 minute. It was a costly lapse for the home team and spoilt an otherwise excellent display of goalkeeping from Byass. (Franklin Wilson)
A crestfallen Emiol Byass (Belladrum GK) is on the ground after letting in the winning goal against Mahaicony yesterday. (Franklin Wilson photo)
KSM General Manager Mahadeo Panchu hands over sponsorship to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster. The plans of the eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS to host one of the biggest ever cricket tournament in Guyana’s history received a major boost on Tuesday last when KSM of East Coast Demerara and V-Net Communication of Campbellville came on board as sponsors. The teams during the month of July would be hosting an eight-team knockout cricket tournament in honour of President David Granger’s 72nd Birthday. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster and Vice President Mark Papannah, who are spearheading the planning of the tournament, both expressed gratitude to Managing Director of KSM Investment Mr. Mahadeo Panchu and V-Net Communication CEO Safraz Sheriffudeen for their contribution towards the tournament. KSM Investment apart from making a financial donation would also be providing polo T/Shirts for four teams, an investment of close to $160,000. V-Net Communication handed over a donation of five bicycles that would be distributed to less fortunate children during the presentation ceremony of the tournament under the Club Patron’s Fund Programme. The RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO reassured both sponsors that the tournament would not only be well organised but would achieve all of its objectives. The future areas of cooperation including a community project for the 175th Anniversary Celebration of the purchase of Rose Hall Village in 1842 by 57 free slaves. Foster committed the RHTY&SC and its eight cricket teams towards strengthening relationships with both sponsors. The tournament bowls off on Saturday 1st of July at the Albion Sports Complex while the Ministry of the Presidency has confirmed that President Granger would be available for the finals and presentation ceremony on Saturday 8th of July. (Continued on page 25)