May 14/15: BELCO Cup Cricket Tournament
[Updated with video] Today [May 5] BELCO and the Bermuda Cricket Board [BCB] announced plans for the ninth annual BELCO Cup cricket match, which takes place May 14-15, with play starting at 11:00 AM each day.
The top four teams from the 2010 season will battle to become finalists on Saturday during the semi-finals [admission is free for these game]). Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club will take on last year’s champions, Pembroke Hamilton Club [PHC] at Somerset Cricket Club, while six time champions Southampton Rangers square-off with West End new comers Willow Cuts in St. David’s.
On Sunday, the winners of Saturday’s matches will compete for the 2011 BELCO Cup title [admission is $5.00 for adults, 18 or older] in St. David’s. PHC Majorettes will also be performing during the half hour between-innings break, which starts at 2:30 PM.
Mr. Kevin Fubler, Willow Cuts President said, “We have always known the full potential of our players; it was just a matter of becoming more unified and playing as a team. Qualifying for the BELCO Cup Tournament has given our players more confidence in themselves and in their team. It also shows that when we are focused on a goal and fully apply ourselves, we can achieve anything. Our hope for the season is to win the league title thus qualifying for next year?s BELCO Cup Tournament.”
Each year, Bermuda Cricket Board, BELCO and St. David’s County Cricket Club team-up to donate proceeds from the final to a charity. ‘Cornerstone Foundation’ was chosen as the 2011 recipient of all entry fees and any additional donations that fans may wish to make. ‘Cornerstone Foundation’ helps to improve the living conditions, education and quality of life for young children, teenagers and adults. The President of the Umpire’s Association, Mr. Walisford Manders has announced that the Umpire’s will also donate their fee to ‘Cornerstone Foundation’.
Andrew Parsons, BELCO Executive Vice President said, ‘We are very excited about hosting our ninth year of BELCO Cup, a competition which we consider a community and family-based event. This year we have chosen the charity ‘Cornerstone Foundation’. Their efforts are directed to improving the quality of life for the younger people who are less fortunate. On a lighter note, we welcome newcomers to the league, Willow Cuts, who will be participating for their first time in the BELCO Cup. Willow Cuts entered the Premier League in 2009 and in 2010 accumulated 6 victories, finishing in 4th place. We look forward to an exciting two days of cricket which we hope will be a precursor to a very captivating local season.”
Allen Richardson, 1st Vice President of the Bermuda Cricket Board speaking on behalf of Reginald Pearman, President of Bermuda Cricket Board stated, “This year the BELCO Cup Tournament starts the cricket season off with what should be some exciting cricket. Returning champions PHC are taking on Bailey’s Bay and Southampton Rangers play newcomers to the tournament, Willow Cuts. Last year PHC marked their debut with a winning start breaking Southampton Rangers five year stronghold on the Cup. This year we are excited to welcome Willow Cuts to their inaugural BELCO Cup. It will be a fascinating and competitive weekend with all four clubs anxious to get their season off to a winning start. I would like to thank all those involved in organising the BELCO Cup and to encourage everyone to come out to enjoy this popular local community event.”
