Sarwan was named captain of the Demerara team which engaged Berbice in the second GIHA Jahaji cricket match at the Georegtown Cricket Club’s Bourda sward but Sarwan and the Arjune brothers were `no-shows’ at the event.

This has prompted president of GIHA, Ryhaan Shah, to issue calls for an apology from the national cricketers.

Shah is quoted as saying in a GIHA release,”GIHA has still not received any formal statement from Sarwan or the Arjune brothers about their non-appearance at the match. Their behaviour is simply not cricket. Cricket is a gentleman’s game and they gave their word and commitment not only to GIHA, but also to the team, that they would be participating. We expect them to make an apology to everyone including the hundreds of disappointed fans who turned up at Bourda,” Shah stated in the release.

Berbice made a successful defence of the title they won last year after posting 246-7 off 45 overs with Narsingh Deonarine leading the way with a polished 82. Berbice’s captain Sewnarine Chatter-goon made 70 and Balram Samaroo 44. Bowling for Demerara, Rohan Mangal picked up 4-55 and Zahier Mohammed 2-54.

Demerara was rattled out for 101.

Shah, however, congratulated the Demerara team who displayed a true Jahaji spirit by turning up and playing the best game they could, despite the non-appearance of their captain and other top team members.

At the presentation ceremony, Deonarine cleaned up on the trophies by taking the Best Bowler, Best Batsman and the Man-of-the-Match awards. The Man-of-the-Match award was in honour of the late Baldeo Chitram who was a keen crickater on the West Coast Demerara.

There was a lively atmosphere at the ground with the Tassa Team drumming at every boundary scored and the Shakti Strings sound system filling in with intervals of Indian music.

Sponsors for the Jahaji Championship included KFC and Demerara Distillers Limited.

Meanwhile, plans are already underway for a bigger tournament next year in which Regional and Interna-tional players will be invited to participate.