Tobago Franchise Cricket gets $100k boost

The historic competition, which runs until Sunday, has also received a big financial boost of $100,000 from Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, and Tobago East MP, Ayanna Webster-Roy.

The sponsorship cheque was handed over to a happy Kerwin John, president of the Tobago Cricket Association (TCA), at the ministry’s office, Orange Hill Road last Thursday. John is also an executive member of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board.

Minister Webster-Roy said she was very pleased with the initiative and the effort of John to promote cricket in the sister isle. “Through initiatives like these, we are hoping to reach as many Tobagonians as possible so that they can understand that the Office of the Prime Minister is here as an agency working for the development of all of Tobago,” said Webster-Roy.

The four-day cricket fiesta, which is branded the “CAST Tobago Power Blast,” has attracted four teams battling for a winner’s purse of $40,000.

Adding great interest is the participation of two of the nation’s biggest clubs, FCB Clarke Road United of Penal, and recently crowned National Twenty20 winners Merryboys of Diego Martin. Cricket fans will also get the opportunity to see players of the calibre of homeboy Lincoln Roberts, Rayad Emrit, Sherwin Ganga, Yannick Ottley, Imran Khan and Shazan Babwah in action.

John said that matches will be played the Cyd Gray Sporting Complex in Roxborough, and Shaw Park in Scarborough.

There will be a token entrance fee of $20 for general admission, and $60 for the popular party stand. There is also the option of a season pass for $70 for all four days of the tournament.

Cast Tobago Power Blast Fixtures: Thursday, June 29 - Merry Boys vs Tobago Smashers (3 pm), Roxborough; FCB Clarke Road vs YML&THR United (6:30 pm), Roxborough.

Friday, June 30 - Tobago Smashers vs Clarke Road, Shaw Park, (12 noon; YML&THR United vs Merryboys, Roxborough, 7pm.

Saturday, July 1 - Tobago Smashers vs YML& THR United, (3pm), Roxborough; Merryboys vs FCB Clarke Road, Roxborough, 6:30 pm .

Sunday, July 2 - 3rd vs 4th (3 pm), Roxborough; 1st vs 2nd (6:30 pm), Roxborough. Presentation Function (10 pm)