Grove Primary School emerged as the new Demerara champions in the ExxonMobil Guyana Future Warriors Tapeball Blast, toppling reigning titleholders Stella Maris Primary in a nail-biting final at the National Stadium, Providence.
The East Bank Demerara-based Grove Primary secured a memorable six-wicket victory, ending Stella Maris’s reign in the popular school tapeball tournament. After overnight showers left the outfield damp, Grove won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off as they restricted Stella Maris to just 47 for two from their allotted eight overs.
Despite a few early setbacks in their chase, Grove’s batters held their nerve, reaching 49 for four with 10 balls to spare and sparking jubilant celebrations among players and supporters.
The Demerara leg, held over the weekend, saw fierce competition among 16 primary schools, up from 12 in previous editions, reflecting the tournament’s growing popularity and commitment to youth cricket development. The format featured eight overs per side in a straight knockout, with mixed teams of boys and girls encouraged.
Grove Primary’s path to the final was marked by dominant performances, including a commanding 41-run win over Camille’s Academy in the quarterfinals, where Roles Melville starred with a remarkable six-wicket haul. Stella Maris, meanwhile, had advanced with a crushing 114-run victory over Ketley Primary, highlighted by Clyde Jacobs’s unbeaten 51 off 18 balls.
Organized by FL Sport and supported by ExxonMobil Guyana, the Future Warriors Tapeball Blast aims to nurture grassroots cricket talent and foster inclusivity from an early age. The tournament also features mentorship from national cricketers and educational sessions from the Child Protection Agency, underscoring a holistic approach to youth development.
With their victory, Grove Primary not only claimed the Demerara title but also secured a coveted spot in the upcoming ‘Champions of Champions’ tournament, where they will compete against the best from Berbice and Essequibo zones for a chance to participate in activities alongside the Guyana Amazon Warriors during the Caribbean Premier League home leg.
As the tapeball blast continues to expand, Grove Primary’s triumph stands as a testament to the rising standard of school cricket in Guyana and the promise of a new generation of Future Warriors.
