Cricket: 10th Annual BELCO Cup Launch
BELCO and the Bermuda Cricket Board today [May 10] launched the tenth annual BELCO Cup cricket competition, which takes place May 19-20, with play starting at 11:00am each day.
The top four teams from the 2011 season will battle to become finalists on Saturday during the semi-finals [admission is free for these games]. Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club will take on newcomers, Devonshire Recreation Club at Somerset Cricket Club, while BELCO Cup hosts St. David’s Cricket Club square-off with Willow Cuts in St. David’s.
On Sunday, the winners of Saturday’s matches will compete for the 2012 BELCO Cup title in St. David’s [admission is $5.00 for adults, 18 or older]. Warner Gombeys will also be performing during the half hour between-innings break, which starts at 2:30 PM.
Nadine Browne-Evans, Secretary of Devonshire Recreation Club, Inc. said: “The Devonshire Recreation Club, Inc. is very proud of the accomplishments of our dedicated team, seasoned coach and supportive fans. We are excited to be involved in this showcase event.
“Devonshire Recreation Club has a rich tradition of outstanding cricket and true passion for the sport. I am certain our club community will be out in force to support our players in what promises to be brilliant cricket matches on May 19th and 20th.”
Each year, BCB, BELCO, Somerset Cricket Club and St. David’s Cricket Club team-up to donate proceeds from the final to a charity. This year the BCB Pee Wee Cricket Program has been chosen as the 2012 recipient of all entry fees and any additional donations that fans may wish to make.
The Pee Wee Program is the foundation of the BCB Youth Development Program, which introduces the game of cricket in a fun, structured and safe environment.
The aim of the youth program is to provide a clear pathway for players to progress from the age of five through to the senior level diverting Bermuda’s at risk-youth from crime and anti-social behaviour through the sport of cricket.
The President of the Umpire’s Association, Mr. Walisford Manders has announced that the Umpire’s will also donate their fee to The Pee Wee Program as well.
Andrew Parsons, BELCO President said, “We are very excited about hosting our tenth year of BELCO Cup, a competition which we consider a community and family-based event. We look forward to two days of great cricket.”
Nyon Steede, 2nd Vice-President of the Bermuda Cricket Board said: “The BCB is very pleased with the long and successful partnership that it enjoys with BELCO. The BELCO Cup is a major event in the BCB senior domestic calendar.
“It has consistently provided high quality cricket and I know that many clubs and fans follow the league standings closely to follow who will qualify for the BELCO Cup. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank BELCO and its employees who assist each year in our charitable efforts to support a worthy cause.
“It must be recognized that the Bermuda Cricket Umpire’s Association annually donates their fees for standing in this event to the charity programs of choice.”
Fans are encouraged to come out to Somerset and St. David’s to enjoy a great weekend of cricket
