The Guyana National Stadium, Providence came alive on Sunday August 14, 2011 as the Jamzone Masters’ Cup took place. The stands were filled to capacity (an estimated 15,000 persons) as the teams battled for a chance to make history and obtain a year’s worth of bragging rights. At 16:00 hrs local time the Hits and Jams Superstars’ opening batsmen made their way to the crease as the New Line Cavaliers assumed their fielding positions. Despite some sloppy batting work they managed to make a decent score, with major assistance from West Indies star Dwayne Bravo – who made 106 runs. That was the first century ever for this tournament and his name is now etched in the record books. The New Line Cavaliers started with a similar fire as Dwayne Smith hit the tournament’s longest six, launching it into the walkway behind the stands. Unfortunately, their attempts were futile against the bowling of the Superstars and they crumbled as the overs ran out.
Whenever there was a delay in the match the music of Fusion Sound Company and dancing of the GT&T Cheerleaders definitely filled the void. The ladies’ performance was much better than Friday night’s efforts and the crowd showed their support time and time again. After a short musical segment, the Berbice Titans and the Georgetown Pitbulls made their way to centre field, as a young local group sang the first and last stanzas of the National Anthem. It was now action time! The Titans won the toss and decided to bat first, putting up a massive 151 runs. The Pitbulls could have restricted them just a bit, but their field work was mediocre at times. The Berbice team, on the other hand, showed no mercy in the field and with the ball; they were relentless, taking all catches, missing no opportunities to stop a racing ball and always making returns on target.
The crowd was further appeased by the presence of the Jamzone International Pageant delegates as they walked the field, interacted with the audience and spoke a little about themselves; they also gave some insight into what could be expected on August 17, 2011 at the National Cultural Centre. The Georgetown Pitbulls provided a meaningful fight, but eventually to no avail as the Titans bowled, caught and stumped the batsmen at every opportunity. The masses were divided in support for the two teams but toward the end of the finals it was clear who everyone was backing – the Berbice Titans. As the last ball of the Pitbulls’ innings was bowled the spectators jumped to their feet and roared as a Titan player caught a poor attempt at a boundary and threw the winning ball into the stands. There was some temporary chaos as patrons wrestled for the memento.
The prize-giving ceremony was short and sweet as Sean Devers, the Jamzone Masters’ Cup PRO, gave a brief introduction and then allowed GT&T’s CEO Yog Mahadeo to deliver a speech. Mr. Mahadeo expressed his content with the tournament and said that he was pleased to be a corporate sponsor along with the government of Guyana. After the telecommunications chief said his part, Hits and Jams’ CEO Rawle Ferguson showed his gratitude by thanking all supporters, sponsors and players that helped to make the cricket event a major success. As it was award time, Dwayne Bravo copped the Man of the Series prize for his fascinating 106 runs. The Hits and Jams Superstars took the third place trophy and some other prizes; the Georgetown Pitbulls held their second place trophy and some cash and prizes, while the reigning champions Berbice Titans carried their first place trophy and G$2,000,000 cheque triumphantly around the Providence Stadium. Local leg – spinning superstar Devendra Bishoo – popped a bottle of champagne to declare the beginning of the celebrations, while the DJ informed all patrons that the after party would be poolside at the nearby Princess Hotel.
The Guyanalive.com team headed across to the luxury hotel and witnessed local and international players mingling with fans and supporters, both young and old. We were proud to be a Guyanese and prouder to witness local history. The music kept the party jumping until the wee hours of the morning, and even though most of us had to be at our desks in just a few hours we were elated at every level. Thank you Hits and Jams and thank you Guyana, we give the event a 10 out of a possible 10 – a piece of history in itself!
View pictures from this event at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery
By – Patrice Wishart