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GUYANATIMESgy.COM
mondAY, January 28, 2019
Golden Jags can fill history books with win against Belize T
he Golden Jaguars have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup this year, says Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde, as he urged fans to come out to support the team in “the biggest match in Guyana’s footballing history” – a final qualification clash with Belize on March 23. A preliminary squad of 35 Guyana-based Golden Jaguars commenced preparations for the Belize game with fitness tests on Saturday at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence. The home-based squad, selected by an in-depth GFF selection process involving top local coaches and Federation technical experts, will train three times a week in the run-up to March 23. “This is a huge moment for our football. March 23 is the biggest match in Guyana’s footballing history,” Forde said in an interview. “We are on the cusp of making history by qualifying for the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time – it’s an incredible opportunity for our players, our football destiny, and our nation.” “The match against Belize is a moment of national importance. I want to urge all of Guyana to come together as a nation to celebrate football and to support the team.” After Barbados were docked six points by CONCACAF for fielding ineligible players in earlier qualification rounds, a win over Belize should guarantee the
BCB Under-15 Tournament…
Tucber Park clinch victory in nail-biting affair
Part of the squad during a fitness session
Golden Jaguars make history as the first Guyana senior men’s national team to reach the highest level of regional football competition. The CONCACAF Gold Cup brings together the top national teams from North America, Central America and the Caribbean, and is broadcast live across the Region. As such, the tournament would provide a significant platform for Guyanese football talent to showcase their skills on the international stage. “This is no time for complacency – we really need the fans to be there as that 12th man for the team. Belize has everything to play for, and we have seen a lot of surprise results in these qualification rounds. We won’t be taking anything for granted,” Forde said. “But we know we have the talent, and I have every confidence in our players and the backroom staff. Coach
Michael Johnson is working hard with his team – here and overseas – to get the preparations right. We will be ready to deliver a night to remember in March and give the nation something to really cheer about.” Guyana’s route to the Gold Cup has been far from straight forward and, like all the best journeys in football, not without its fair share of drama. Their first match – at Leonora against Barbados in round one – ended in a 2-2 draw after two late goals from talented United Kingdom-based Bajan striker Hallam Hope. The Golden Jaguars then thrashed Turks and Caicos 8-0 away from home in round two, before a disappointing 2-1 loss to French Guiana in Cayenne apparently all but wiped out Guyana’s chances of reaching the Gold Cup. Disappointment turned to national relief on December 6 when CONCACAF ruled that Barbados had fielded
two ineligible players against Guyana – including two-goal hero Hope – and awarded the Golden Jaguars a 3-0 win. That ruling put Guyana on six points, in eighth place in the qualification league table – which also doubles as the qualification competition for the CONCACAF Nations League. The top 10 teams qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which features 16 teams and takes place in the United States, Costa Rica and a Caribbean host nation between June 15 and July 7. The top six teams also qualify for CONCACAF Nations League A, with the teams ranked 7-22 on the table qualifying for League B. The United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, and Honduras have already qualified as the teams that participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying hexagonal league.
Javon Conway
I
t was all excitement at the Rose Hall Canje Ground when Tucber Park held their nerve to complete a thrilling threerun victory. Tucber Park reigned supreme when they remained undefeated in the New Amsterdam Canje zone. The home team, Rose Hall Canje won the toss and opted to field first under beautiful cricket conditions on a fairly large outfield. The New Amsterdambased Tucber Park team managed 95 all out in 32.1 overs, with Javon Conway top-scoring with 21, righthander Justin Meghu scored 14 runs and Kevin Kisten chipped in with 12. M
Ramdial had 1-17, A Algoo and S La Rose picked up one wicket each for Rose Hall Canje. But the Tucber Park team believed that the match was not completed until the final ball was bowled; Rose Hall Canje slipped and slid. In pursuit of 96 for victory, Rose Hall Canje approached a Tucber Park bowling road block. Rose Hall Canje took the game deep with opening batsman Ramdeol scoring a vital 20, but he was unable to take his team across the line and they finished on 92 all out in 42.1 overs. Tucber Park were disciplined with the ball; Civion Arokium bowled 10 economical overs finishing with 2-19, inclusive of two maidens; Ravishkar Sobhai had 2-8; Niquan Samuels 1-23 in 10 overs; Justin Meghu 1-10; Kevin Kisten 1-7 and D Endore 1-2. From the matches played in this Under-15 tournament, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) selected a 21man squad that will play a trial match at Albion on February 1. The match is scheduled for a 09:30h start, but players are asked to report for 08:15h dressed in white uniforms. The Berbice Under-15 team that will play the inter-county tournament will be announced after the trial match. (Brandon Corlette)
Cricket Carnival continues in Antigua with “Myst” Party Stand P
arty people and cricket fans in Antigua will continue the fun for the biggest England tour to the West Indies in ten years, when the second Wisden Trophy Series Test starts here on Thursday, January 31, with West Indies leading the Series 1-0 after a superb performance in Barbados. Myst Carnival is partnering with Cricket West Indies for all 5 days of the Test match at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds to bring the authentic Caribbean cricket experience. Cricket fans – local, regional and the travelling England fans – will experience just how carnival meets cricket in the Myst Party Stand with nonstop vibe and energy, including Premium drinks & mouth-watering Caribbean cuisine for purchase, Midwicket/side on view of the cricket, Exclusive Party Stand Soca Performances, Best Antiguan DJs, The Sandals Swimming pool to cool down in
Local fans can be a part of this experience for just EC$50 for a day tick-
et booth near the Antigua Recreation Ground, the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket
are available for US$450. All tickets for visiting international fans can be
Stand, Taslim Gordon says, “When West Indians come together, there is a special
et. All-inclusive day tickets with unlimited drinks and a limited edition party stand T-shirt are available for EC$200. Local fans can buy tickets at the tick-
Grounds and at Myst carnival ticket outlets. Visiting international fans can get daily tickets for US$100 while 5-day all-inclusive season tickets
bought online through the Windiescricket.com website’s Buy Tickets button or at Zoonga.com/England tour. Head of the Myst Party
vibe and energy that is created. Add to this, elements of carnival, pulsating Soca music and the game of cricket, you have the magic that has become known as a
Party Stand. Myst will continue to do our part in keeping the game of cricket an exciting experience for all … win, lose or draw.” Commercial Director, Dominic Warne, is delighted to partner with Myst Carnival “The party stand is a key part of the cricket watching experience in the West Indies and we’re delighted to work with Myst to bring their mix of Cricket and Carnival to enhance the experience for fans and players. The excitement should move up a level after the great performance in Barbados and we hope the fans come out to turn up the noise and party in Antigua and show the world that it’s our game.” Ticket prices for all other stands start from US$15 per day/EC$40 with full Test match “season tickets” available too. For non-party stand tickets, local fans can present their local ID and get 50% off the price of a pair of any day or full match ticket.