[www.inewsguyana.com] – Sport journalists along with scorers and umpires, who are affiliated to the Georgetown Cricket Scorers and Umpires Association (GCS&UA), will on Monday(Independence Day), down their tools and square off in what has been dubbed a grudge match at the world-famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), in a specially-organised T20 affair from 10:00hrs.
With the aim of getting in top condition for the match, the Media XI have been in training under the watchful eyes of former national middle-order batsman and England ODI player Monty Lynch at the venue.
During the sessions on Tuesday and yesterday, the confident media men were involved in several drills, as well as batting and bowling, and in an invited comment after the sessions, Lynch said he enjoyed working with the media team and wished the journalists well.
“I find it most enjoyable. It’s nice to see people who write about the game look to come out and play it as well, so when guys make fools of themselves you can understand how they feel,” Lynch said, as he addressed the team at the end of the session.
He added, “I’m looking forward to watching the game because, like I said, umpires, scorers and journalists have a part to play in the development of the game and I think the more you guys play the more inclined you are to understand how players feel when they get out or make mistakes.”
Skipper of the Media team, Calvin Roberts, explained the genesis of the game, which will be played with the red ball and white clothing.
According to Roberts, the game was formalised after the umpires and scorers had challenged media operatives to test their skills on the field of play during a Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 Inter-county contest.
Following Tuesday’s session, Roberts sent a strong message to the opposition, boasting that the Media team is a very balanced one with a solid batting line-up that is backed by a capable bowling attack.
Meanwhile, senior cricket journalist Sean Devers, will be using the game to get back into competitive action after a period of illness and, like several of his teammates, is earnestly looking forward to Monday’s contest.
After the sessions, Devers said he was feeling “pumped up” for the game and will be giving his best to ensure the Media boys come out on top over the umpires.
The Media team’s batting will hinge on John Ramsingh, Rajiv Bisnauth, Ravi Persaud, Ishaka Jackman, Avenash Ramzan, Keon Blade and wicketkeeper/batsman Daniel Singh, while Roberts will spearhead his side’s bowling attack, with support from Devers, Persaud, Jackman, Kizan Brumell and Esaun Griffith.
