Tyrone Alphonso Johnson and friends
Tyrone Alphonso Johnson (right) with brother Alvin Johnson (middle) and fellow pacer Patrick Bascom (left).

By Ravi Madholall
Excitement galore is highly anticipated on Saturday at Parika Community Centre ground, Essequibo in the inaugural Tyrone Alphonso Memorial T20 one-day cricket extravaganza.

According to the organizers, everything is in placed with the top team taking home $200, 000 while the runners-up set to pocket $100, 000. Trophies are also up for grasp when the actions get cracking from 9:00 am.

Six teams will be competing and a number of star players with national experience will be on show to display their talent in this innovative and exciting form of the sunshine game.

Tyrone Alphonso Johnson
Tyrone Alphonso Johnson.

Senior Essequibo and national left-arm orthodox spinner Anthony Adams will be among the high-profile players at the event while his fellow Essequibians Kevin Boodie and Kemol Savory are other seasoned campaigners. Raun Johnson, who also played professional cricket will turn out for one of the favorite teams. Versatile all-rounder Ricardo Adams, who would have donned in the national limited-over colors is also expected to grace occasion and fans can expect fireworks from him. The sides ready to rumble are: Parika Salem Sports Club, Meten-Meer-Zorg, Cold Fusion, Vergenoegen Sports Club, Zeeburg Cricket Club and Hyde Park Sports Club. Apart from the on-field activities, the popular Slingerz Family Sound System will be providing the entertainment from the commencement of the day’s proceedings.

According to the son (Telston Johnson) of the late Tyrone, who passed away tragically in a speed-boat accident in 1994 at the age of 33, there will mixed emotions to run off the event. He stated that he is excited to have cricketers participating but at the same time the agony of his father’s death is still there.

Telston Johnson
Telston Johnson, the main force behind his dad memorial tournament.

However, he mentioned that the event will be bigger next year since they have it for two consecutive days. More teams and prizes will increase as well and he is assuring fans already they will be in for a treat during the Easter weekend.

For this year’s games, he has expressed deep gratitude to Parika Salem Club for their coordination so far since he is currently residing in the United States of America.

Additionally, his family which is made up of former Guyana Cricket Board vice-president Alvin Johnson and ex-Guyana youth coach Vibert Johnson, they are playing a huge part too in terms of the preparations for Saturday’s showpiece.

Raffles and other prizes would be given away to the fans, while Bar-B-Q tickets cost $1,000 and can be bought from RK Investments in Parika. Food refreshments will be on sales as well. To conclude things on Saturday, there will be a presentation ceremony where medals will also be distributed to the champion teams and outstanding players.