Local cricket season bowls off today

The 2013 domestic cricket season will bowl off today at venues throughout the country. First up is the 50-overs competition and there will be six matches in the top flight.

All eyes will be fixed on the battle between the oldest and newest clubs in the top flight. Queen’s Park Cricket Council, steeped in history and tradition, will come up against the new kids on the block, F&E Diamond United, at Kennedy Park in the sleepy village of Diamond.

The Parkites, which made a clean sweep of all titles last season, will start as overwhelming favourites in this clash but will be under a bit of pressure as Diamond has nothing to lose and would mark its greatest achievement if it can pull off an upset against the North team.

Prior to this clash, an official opening to the season will take place and president of the TTCB Azim Bassarath will deliver the feature address. Also on hand to mark the occasion will be MP for the area, Dr Roodal Moonilal, who is also expected to address the gathering.

In other matches, in Group A, Aranguez promoted this season but no newcomers to the top flight, will come up against Esmeralda which is in the top flight for the first time. This game takes place at the Aranguez Savannah and the home team will start as favourites.

The last game in Group A will see First Citizens Clarke Road coming up against Moosai Sports at Wilson Road.

In Group B, Seenath’s Auto Bamboo SC, which campaigned in the top flight last season, will come up against Caldrac Club, which will be making its debut. Based on its experienced outfit and home advantage, Bamboo is expected to run away with this game but Anil Kamal’s men, with veteran national player Robert Mahabir at the helm, will look to get its season off to the best start possible.

After three years, fans in Diego Martin will get cricket in their backyards again, as the Northern Recreation ground is completed and their beloved Merry Boys Sports Club will play host to W-Connection Wanderers. Merryboys will start favourites in this clash and will be looking to give its supporters a long awaited gift of victory.

The last game in group B pits a very powerful PowerGen Sports club against Alescon Comets. PowerGen have been able to lure many players back to the club and it is strengthened by the return of Jason Mohammed from T&TEC, as well as Dave Mohammed from Moosai Sports. Comets, who stayed up in the Premiership after an off-field legal battle, will be looking to show that it belongs there.

All the national players who have been involved in trial matches have been released by the TTCB to play for their clubs this weekend. All matches start at 10 am.

ttcb 50 over league

​

TTCB PREMIERSHIP 50 OVERS LEAGUE

GROUP A
QPCC
F&E Diamond United
Moosai
Esmeralda SC
HKL Aranjuez SC
Clarke Road United

GROUP B
PowerGen
Merry Boys
Caldrac Club
Seenath’s Auto Bamboo SC
Alescon Comets
WC Wanderers

TODAY’S MATCHES

GROUP A
HKL Aranjuez SC vs Esmeralda SC @ Aranguez
F&E Diamond United vs QPCC @ Kennedy Park
FC Clarke Road United vs Moosai SC @ Wilson Road

GROUP B
Seenath's Auto Bamboo SC vs Caldrac Club @ Bamboo
Merry Boys SC vs WC Wanderers @ Northern Rec Ground
Powergen vs Alescon Comets @ Syne Village.