The Guyana Harpy Eagles, clutching the coveted West Indies Four-Day Championship trophy, touched down at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport on Sunday morning to a rapturous welcome.
Beaming smiles adorned the faces of the players and management as they were greeted by scores of enthusiastic supporters, celebrating their remarkable three-peat as kings of regional First-Class cricket.
This latest triumph is not just another title; it marks their eighth in the ten seasons of the fiercely competitive Professional Cricket League era.
This sustained dominance has unequivocally established the Harpy Eagles as the undisputed powerhouse of current Caribbean red-ball cricket.
Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, led the delegation to welcome the champions home. He was joined by prominent figures from the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Cricket Board, all eager to pay tribute to the team’s outstanding achievement.
The atmosphere at the airport was electric, a vibrant display of national pride. Cultural performances filled the air, adding to the celebratory fervour as officials lined up to personally congratulate each member of the victorious squad and their dedicated management team.
Minister Ramson Jr., visibly elated, emphasized the significance of the Harpy Eagles’ success, declaring that it showcased Guyana as “a nation of winners.”
He highlighted the inspirational impact of their consistent triumphs on the next generation of Guyanese athletes. T
The Minister pointed to the team’s remarkable feat of winning three consecutive titles and an unprecedented eight in just ten seasons as evidence that “Guyana must be doing stuff correct” in its approach to cricket development. He also acknowledged the crucial role of government support in fostering this environment of success.
The Harpy Eagles captain, Tevin Imlach, and Head Coach Ryan Hercules both spoke of the overwhelming warmth of the homecoming.
They emphasized that the championship victory was a testament to a unified team effort, overcoming the challenges inherent in the grueling demands of the regional four-day format.
The president of the Guyana Cricket Board, Bissoondyal Singh, delivered a powerful message directly to the players: “You have once again proven what it means to wear the Guyana Harpy Eagles uniform with honour. Your performances throughout the tournament have been nothing short of extraordinary. Each run, wicket, and moment of determination you displayed on the field filled us with immense pride. You have continued to set the benchmark for excellence in West Indies cricket, and we salute you.”
Singh also lauded the coaching staff and management: “Your unwavering commitment to excellence, the nurturing of talent, and the strategic planning that has shaped this team’s success cannot be overstated. You have fostered an environment where players are motivated to push their limits and deliver their best.”
The Eagles clinched the title after their final-round encounter against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force ended in a Saturday draw at Queen’s Park Oval.
It is the third on the trot for the Eagles and an eighth in ten seasons of the Professional Cricket League.
While the top-of-the-table clash didn’t produce a winner, the stalemate was enough for the defending champions to finish the season with 126.6 points.