UNDER-19 World Cup selectees Matthew Nandu,
Arjuna Sukhu and Ethan Gibson, three players who
started their cricketing career in the Scarborough Cricket
Association (SCA), were fittingly honoured by the body
on Sunday, December 12 last.
The three were recipients of cash incentives and
plaques at an impressive ceremony, held at the Avenue
Restaurant & Lounge, Bellamy Road, Scarborough.
Also honoured was former Canadian wicket-keeper
batsman Surendra Seeraj, who has been appointed
assistant coach for the Canada Under-19 team and
who is also a long-serving player in the SCA. Seeraj was
presented with a plaque for his sterling contributions to
the game.
Seeraj led the SCA Over-50 Masters team to
championship honours in the inaugural tournament
held this year and also played in the winning Kaieteur
International B First Division team.
The Canadian-born Nandu, who also plays club cricket
in Guyana and has represented the country at the youth
level, will don West Indies colours while Sukhu and
Gibson are part of the Canadian squad.
Nandu is also the son of former Guyana First Class legspinner
Arjune Nandu who had an outstanding Under-19
career for his country before migrating to Canada where
he also represented the North American country.
The left-handed opener, who also bowls off-spin, played
a major role in Kaieteur International B capturing the
2021 SCA First Division title, excelling with both bat and
ball. Sukhu, led Kaieteur to championship honours, playing
major roles in the middle-order and with his medium
pacers.
The left-handed Gibson, who also bowls leg-spin, has
been a prominent member of several SCA youth teams
and joined Palace Panthers during the 2021 season.
The plaque to the three cricketers read: “The executives
and members of the Scarborough Cricket Association congratulate
you on your well-deserved selection. Wishing you the best for every
step in your journey.”
The one presented to Seeraj read as follows: “The Scarborough
Cricket Association recognizes your contributions as a coach and is
extremely pleased with your appointment as the Assistant Coach of
the Canada U19 Team to the 2022 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup.”
Among those in attendance at the function were SCA executives and
parents of the three cricketers.
Canada is placed in Group A alongside defending champions
Bangladesh, England and United Arab Emirates (UAE) and will begin
the tournament on January 15 against the UAE at Warner Park
Stadium, St. Kitts and Nevis.
West Indies will launch their campaign against Australia at the Guyana
National Stadium, Providence on the opening day. West Indies are in
Group D with Australia, Scotland and Sri Lanka.