Twenty20 fever to hit St Catherine

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

THE St Catherine Cricket Association (SCCA) has finally caught the Twenty20 cricket fever - which has been sweeping the world.

In collaboration with paint giants Sherwin-Williams, the parish governors for the sport launched the Sherwin-Williams Twenty20 cricket competition yesterday.

The competition, which will commence on January 23, is sponsored to the tune of $650,000. It will feature 16 teams, to be separated into four zones and competed in a round-robin format.

Zone One will feature Correc-tional Services Sports Club, Central United Sports Club, Dela Vega City Cricket Club and Packers All Stars Cricket Club. Zone Two comprises Old Harbour, Church Pen, Old Harbour Bay and Connors Sports Club. Basement United, Ewarton Cricket Club, Travellers Sports Club and Point Hill Sports Club make up Zone Three, while Zone Four consist of Lakes Pen, Belmont, JUTC and Kitson Town.

The winners will walk away with the championship Sherwin-Williams Twenty20 Trophy and a purse of $80,000. The runners-up will get $40,000. There will also be cash incentives for individuals and teams, for outstanding performances.

Jamaica Cricket Association president Paul Campbell, applauded the St Catherine Cricket Association for the initiative, while speaking at the launch of the tournament, which was held at the offices of Sherwin-Williams Limited, White Marl, St Catherine.

"This initiative and this event today will definitely transform the cricketing landscape in St Catherine and in Jamaica," Campbell said. "It is in sync with our national programme to get Twenty20 competitions right across the length and breath of Jamaica.

"For St Catherine to have started that, by way of the St Catherine Cricket Association and in partnership with Sherwin-Williams, is a big filip for cricket in St Catherine, in Jamaica and, by extension, the West Indies," he added.

President of the SCCA, Cherton DaCosta, was quick to point out that the 40-over competition will not be abandoned, as they are seeking a new sponsor.

Lifting interest

"The Twenty20 version is picking up speed all over the world and, whether we like it or not, it is going to be the game of the future," DaCosta shared.

"We have not abandoned the longer version of the game, but we see this as a means of lifting interest in the sport," he added.

DaCosta might not have to look very far for sponsorship for the 40-over competition as Sherwin-Williams, which has sponsored the competition for the past nine years, will be exploring the possibility of continuing.

"We will take a look at it, and once it is possible we will try to ensure that we get it done and continue the support for the St Catherine Cricket Association, and cricket in general in Jamaica," expressed Ian Forbes, managing director of Sherwin-Williams.