News Release                            Contact: Susan McGrath-Smith

For Immediate Release                                                            

298-6126                   

                                                         

                                                                                                 

 

2006 BELCO Cup Plans Announced

 

Hamilton, Bermuda, 30 May 2006 – Today Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) and the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) jointly announced plans for the 2006 BELCO Cup, June 10-11, which promises to be a great weekend of cricket and family fun.  Play begins at 11:00 am each day.

 

This year’s line-up for the Saturday semi-finals, pitting the top four teams from the 2005 season against one another is: 

 

Ÿ     At Somerset Cricket Club – St David’s vs Western Stars

Ÿ     At St. David’s County Cricket Club – Bailey’s Bay vs Southampton Rangers

 

On Sunday, the winning teams will compete in the final at Lords Field, St. David’s.

 

BELCO President & CEO Garry A. Madeiros said, “This is a big year for us, as we celebrate BELCO’s 100^th anniversary, and it’s a big year for Bermudian cricket, as the National Team advances, while enthusiasm for the sport grows. We are confident that together BELCO and the BCB will produce an exceptional 2006 BELCO Cup match, and I hope families will come out to enjoy the games together.”

 

The 2006 BELCO Cup offers new highlights that should further raise the competitive bar. In celebration of BELCO’s 100^th Anniversary Year, the company will make special Century Awards to batsmen. The Century Award will be $1,000 to the charity of the team’s choice, plus a $250 electricity credit to the batsman.  BELCO will also increase the team and man of the match awards, as follows:

 

Ÿ         $1,500 – BELCO Cup Winning Team

Ÿ         $1,000 – Finalist

Ÿ         $500 – Each of the other two Semi-Final Teams

Ÿ         $300 – Man of the Match

 

In addition, the teams that compete in Sunday’s final will wear colourful burgundy, green and white BELCO Cup shirts, the first time that colour has been sported on the field, during this match.

 

In keeping with tradition, souvenir 2006 BELCO Cup T-shirts will be given free to fans who attend the final in St. David’s. Also, BCB will have a tent at the final to sell BCB merchandise in support of the national cricket programme. National Cricket Team players will also be at the tent to greet fans and autograph team posters, which will be distributed free of charge to children.  Parents are also encouraged to bring their cameras to take photos of their children with National Cricket Team players.

 

During the tea break, BCB Youth Programme Coach Wendell Smith will coordinate a special activity for young cricketers, giving them the opportunity to test their batting, bowling and fielding skills.

 

BCB President Reg Pearman said, “BELCO Cup is always an enjoyable weekend of cricket and this year fans can expect to see great games.  We hope the fans will come out to support the teams, as well as to enjoy the summer sun and weekend fun.”