Assistant coach/manager of the Essequibo Franchise team Ryan Hercules stated that veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul presence was always inspiring and attributed that to Essequibo emerging champion in the 2017 Guyana Cricket Board three-day round-robin tournament.
In an exclusive interview with this publication on Wednesday, the former Guyana under-19 fast-bowler Hercules, informed that the entire side was able to jell around him and with his constant advice on a regular basis, the players drew great motivation.
“I just think everyone took advice from Shiv and also inspired by his presence; everyone knows about his status and they used it to bring out good work,” Hercules revealed.
This year marks the second edition in succession for the eight-team tournament, and Hercules quickly said any team would have loved to have someone like Chanderpaul in their team to vie for top honours.
“Obviously, Chanderpaul has achieved a lot and now giving back to the game by still playing actively is tremendous; we welcomed him and he was willing to share his knowledge and teach us whatever he could have, so we are indeed indebted to him,” the 29-year-old Hercules related.
During Chanderpaul’s two matches, this memorable year for the Cinderella County lads, he phenomenally scored 116 and 91 and ensured the Essequibians did not lose either.
“That was the kind of expectations from Chanderpaul, he came in immediately stamped his authority; he wanted to contribute and his presence felt so it was also a great delight to see him making that impact,” Hercules, who featured at under-15 nationally for Guyana as well, mentioned.
Hercules expressed satisfaction with the total’s team effort and the level of dynamism in their seven allotted matches and is confident they can make the same impression in the limited-over version which is currently playing.
“Yes, Shiv made a major impact in the three-day format, but the advice he left for us to transfer into the one-day tournament are equally motivational and we are inspired and pumped-up to win this as well,” the Essequibian Hercules, who plied his trade for several years in England at County level, asserted.
Hercules has now taken over the Head coach position replacing Michael Hyles. Hercules also thanked the players who performed outstandingly well and uttering that they deserved the title this year from Lower Corentyne.
Left-arm spinner Anthony Adams had a prolific season soaring to be the leading wicket taker with 53 victims and that a manifestation of the player’s eagerness to churn out exceptional performances.
Hercules convinced that several other players proved their talent and will continue to do great things, not only for Essequibo but Guyana and possibly West Indies. Players like Ricardo Adams, Keemo Paul among others were mentioned. (Ravi Madholall)
