Cricket Bermuda

Hamilton, Bermuda, Tuesday, 27 April 2010 - Today Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) and the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) announced plans for the eighth annual BELCO Cup cricket match, which takes place May 15-16, with play starting at 11:00 AM each day.

The top four teams from the 2009 cricket season will battle to become finalists on Saturday during the semi-finals (admission FREE). Bailey's Bay Cricket Club will take on reigning Champions, Southampton Rangers in St. David's while BELCO Cup hosts, St. David's County Cricket Club square-off with new comers Pembroke Hamilton Club (PHC) in Somerset.

Mark Wade, PHC Vice President and Sports Director said, "Pembroke Hamilton Club is very pleased to have our cricket team participate in the BELCO Cup for the first time. It is an indication of the improvement of our cricket program that was re-started in the Commercial cricket league in 1991. We applaud BELCO for continuing to support the competition and look forward to our team doing well in the competition."

On Sunday, the winners will compete for the 2010 BELCO Cup title (admission $5.00 for adults, 18 or older) in St. David's. Fans will also be entertained by Warner Gombeys during the half-hour, between-innings break, which starts at 2:30 PM.

Each year, BCB, BELCO and St. David's County Cricket Club team up to donate proceeds from the final to a charity. "No Child Goes Without" has once again been selected as the 2010 recipient of all entry fees, plus proceeds from the sale of $10.00 children's T-shirts, and any additional donations that fans may wish to make. The Bermuda Masters Cricket Team and BELCO have volunteered to work on the gates and sell children's T-shirts. "No Child Goes Without", founded by Ms Grejai Smith, provides free lunches and school supplies to needy students. The President of the Umpire's Association, Mr. Walisford Manders has announced that the Umpire's will also donate their fee to the charity

Andrew Parsons, BELCO Executive Vice President said, "BELCO is again pleased to sponsor this competition which we consider a community and family based event. We are again supporting the charity "No Child Goes Without" which in today's economic social climate takes on a more special meaning as their efforts are directed at helping and developing Bermuda's youth. On a lighter note, we welcome new teams to the competition especially PHC who will be participating for the first time. Perhaps St. David's or Bailey's Bay can dethrone our six time champions Southampton Rangers. We look forward to an exciting two days of cricket which we hope will be a precursor to a very exciting domestic season."

Reginald Pearman, President of the Bermuda Cricket Board, stated, "The BELCO Cup is an exciting way to start the cricket season and this year continues the tradition of outstanding cricket with returning champions Southampton Rangers taking on Bailey's Bay and St. David's CC taking on newcomers to the tournament PHC. We are pleased to donate proceeds from the gate and to join forces with BELCO to raise money in support of, "No Child Goes Without." This is a fun family day out which encapsulates the "Spirit of Cricket." I would like to take this time to thank all those involved in organising the BELCO Cup, ensuring it remains such a successful and worthwhile local event."

Fans are encouraged to come out to Somerset and St. David's to enjoy a great weekend of cricket and to listen to "The Voice of Summer" Jim Woolridge's radio commentary on DeFontes Broadcasting 1450 AM Gold on May 15 and 16.