2014 Guyana Inter-County
By Nicholas Nandan
The Annual Guyana Inter County Competition sponsored by Insaaf ‘Bird man” Ali is right around the corner and it is expected to be one of the most memorable inter county games that ever grace the shores of the city of New York. This year the team from the Cinderella County is set to be one to reckon with, having gained vast knowledge from the previous tournaments.
Few members of the Essequibo team displays this year uniform.
As we all know the county of Essequibo is known for its vast lakes with the most well-known being Lake Mainstay. The Essequibo river is also one of the largest river in South America covering 628 miles. The county is also filled with historic structures and beautiful scenery, a variety of adventurous landscapes and the beautiful Kaieteur Falls.
The Cinderella county team will feature lots of new young faces both locally based and international stars. The team will be managed by former Guyana under-19 player Ajaz Asgarally. He will be assisted by Rafman Khan and the unit will be coached by former Essequibo County batsman the experienced Chandar “Bob” Persaud. The team will be led by USA player Azurdeen Mohammed with all-rounder Telston Johnson being his deputy.
Essequibo batting will be relying heavily on their skipper Azurdeen Mohammed, Tamesh Balwant, Dinesh Mangroo, former Guyana under-19 players Deonauth Baksh and Raakesh Goberdan who is making the trip from Toronto. The inform attacking Mark Gomes, and the hard hitting Lawerence Farnum who flew in from London to be a part of this special event, the team would have the service of another Canadian, the talented Devon Ramnauth. The pace bowling department which will feature the likes of swing bowler Vijay Persaud, the aggressive minded Telston Johnson, Travis Rodney and Nicholas Azeez. The spin department will feature the likes of Zaaid Majeed, Azurdeen Mohammed, Shiv Raghubar young Nicholas Nandan and the leg spin of Fazal Goberdan while the eagle eyes with cat like reflexes of Prashad Mahadeo will take care of the wicket keeping duties.
Azurdeen Mohammed will skipper the Essequibo squad.
The full squad is Azurdeen Mohammed (captain) Telston Johnson (v/capt), Tamesh Balwant, Deonauth Baksh, Raakesh Goberdan, Mark Gomes, Dinesh Mangroo, Lawerence Farnum, Devon Ramnath, Vijay Persaud, Shiv Raghubar, Prashad Mahadeo, Zaaid Majeed, Travis Rodney, Nicholas Azeez, Nicholas Nandan, Ajaz Asgarally (manager), Chandar “Bob” Persaud (coach) and Rafman Khan (Asst. Manager).
The new look Cinderella county team will be going all out to win their first inter county championship and seek glory as they have come close on a number of occasions. The coach Bob Persaud is very optimistic that his boys can bring home the bacon.
The competition is being held at the picturesque Idlewild Park located at 223rd Street in Rosedale. Essequibo takes on Berbice in the first game this Saturday August 9th at 9am, the winner will meet the 2013 champion Demerara at 1pm.
On Behalf of the entire Essequibo inter county unit we would like to thank all our well-wishers and supporters and we urge that you come out in numbers to support your county.
A practice session is schedule for this Friday for the Essequibo squad at the Baisley “Cage” Park at 6 pm.
If anyone is interested to be a part of the Essequibo unit and sponsor can contact Ajaz Asgarally at 646-261-1201, Bob Persaud 718-757-0938, Telston Johnson 347-723-3284 and Rafman Khan 718-514-1346.
Raakesh Goberdan a former Guyana youth player will make the trip from Canada.
The Essequibo management and team would like to thank all their sponsor:
1. Mr Tariq Ali – Riteway Enterprise Inc. 646-731-7219
2. Mr Mark Gomes -A & A Welding Inc. 917-664-7593
3. Mr Ajaz Asgarally- lic. Real Estate Agent, Elite Realty Inc.646-261-1201
4. Mr Bob Persaud -Lic. Real Estate Agent, Elite Realty Inc.718-757-0938
5. Windies Restaurant and Bar- 216-06 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428 (718) 736-9414