Abram Zuil Secondary, hailing from the county of Essequibo, stormed to victory in the inaugural National Windball Cricket Playoffs, held in memory of the late former President Janet Jagan.
The tournament was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and coordinated by the National Sports Commission (NSC).
In what was a significant expansion from previous editions, formerly limited to Regions Three and Four, this year’s national showdown welcomed participation from schools across all administrative regions, with the exception of Regions One, Eight and Nine.
The organisers cited logistical challenges for the exclusion of those regions, but assured stakeholders that efforts are already underway to ensure full participation in future editions.
At the tournament, which drew over 2,000 student-athletes, Abrams Zuil’s path to glory was paved with powerful hitting and disciplined bowling, with star performers Ravid Fredricks and Eron Benjamin leading the charge.
In a thrilling start to the knockout stage, Three Miles Secondary chased down Saint Rose’s High’s 59-2 with ease.
Narindra Isurdeen struck a resilient 35 for Roses, but Three Miles, powered by Christiano Ram’s 44 and Mario Ramjag’s 12, breezed to 63-2.
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, Assistant Director of Sport Melissa Dow Richardson and other officials with members of the Abram Zuil team
Abram Zuil then announced their intent with a dominant 145 without loss against JC Chandi Singh Secondary.
Fredricks blasted an unbeaten 84 decorated with 10 sixes, while Benjamin chipped in with 41 (six sixes).
In response, JC Chandi Singh managed 86-5, with Arif Marimotoo’s entertaining 64 (nine sixes) the lone resistance.
In a shock result, 11-time champions Covent Garden Secondary were knocked out by Parika Salem Secondary.
Despite posting 105-2, thanks to Venesh Kalpoo’s 46, and handy knocks from Terick Ramotar and Devindra Ram, Parika chased it down with 106-1.
Bharat Seepersaud struck 48, while Linsdyl Harris hammered seven sixes in his 46.
Camille’s Academy also impressed with a commanding 149-0 over Berbice High School.
Darwin Larose (70) and Yuvraj Bhagwandin (65) lit up the park, while Berbice’s 104-2 was not enough despite Gilbert Griffith’s unbeaten 47.
Abram Zuil marched into the final after demolishing Three Miles Secondary.
Fredricks smashed 69 (10 sixes) in their total of 129-1, before Benjamin wreaked havoc with the ball, taking 3-4 in a single over. Fredricks also contributed with 2-0, bundling Three Miles out for just 52-6.
In the other semi-final, Parika Salem defeated Camille’s Academy in another run-fest. Camille’s posted 98-1 with Bhagwandin scoring a brilliant unbeaten 50.
However, Parika Salem responded with 101 without loss, led by a scintillating 69 from Linsdyl Harris (eight sixes).
As a result, Camille’s Academy and Three Miles Secondary were declared joint third-place finishers.
In the much-anticipated final, Abram Zuil were sent in to bat and posted 96-4, with Eron Benjamin leading the way with a powerful 56 (eight sixes), supported by Fredricks’ 24.
Montey Miguel claimed 2-21 for Parika Salem, while Kevin Wong and R Persaud chipped in with a wicket each.
In response, Parika Salem’s chase faltered under pressure. Despite contributions from Harris (24), Wong (16), and Subraj Chaitram (15), they were restricted to 79-3.
Fredricks once again made his mark with the ball, taking a crucial 1-1 and was deservedly named Player of the Final.
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, in his closing remarks, lauded the initiative, crediting the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for their unwavering support.
“This year is historic. We have a national final, and it’s only going to get better,” Ninvalle noted.
“We’ve seen improvement, and we’ll be going back to the drawing board to make next year even more successful.”
Ninvalle also disclosed that that the National Sports Commission is likely to add a cash incentive next year.
He praised the players, organisers, and especially the staff of the NSC for executing a national programme of such magnitude.
Allister Munroe, the lead Sports Officer behind the event, expressed gratitude to all contributors, including the Ministry of Education, Guyana Police Force, parents, head teachers, officials of ASTP, and most importantly, the over 2,000 student-athletes who participated.
Final Placings
Champions: Abram Zuil Secondary
Runners-Up: Parika Salem Secondary
Joint Third: Camille’s Academy and Three Miles Secondary
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