Canada’s Montreal YMCA only Canadian Semi- Pro B/ball team to visit here in 1978

Sep 13, 2016 Sports

Invited by their counterparts Linden YMCA, the touring Montreal YMCA Basketball

Members of the Montreal YMCA team during a reception hosted by the then Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Ailan Roger.

team lived up to their international standards during their Guyana visit in March 1978. With players like the phenomenal Olympic Star Joseph Farroba who was the talk of the series. Farroba left an indelible mark on Guyanese basketball fans as Statistician Charwayne Walker informs.
From the opening match at Mackenzie Sports Club to the series finale at the National Sports Hall, Farroba was the crowd favourite. His aggregate from four matches was 127 points at an average of 31:75. His 42 points vs Guyana at the National Sports Hall still remains as the highest individual score in an international match at that venue. The two other outstanding Canadian players were Bill Delhorne who top scored in the tour opener vs Linden YMCA and the final international match vs Guyana at the Sports Hall. D. Outfield was also consistent.
The towering 6’10 Compton ‘Lefty’ Hinds was named Guyana most valuable player. He was supported by the consistent Merton Fitzalbert and the Ravens Trio: Orin Cumberbatch, Aubrey Chalmers and Phillip Daniels. Legend Mike Brusche, who skipper the Guyana team had a below average series according to his standards. The late Stanislaus ‘Knox’ Hadmon was in his debut series’ opening match played in front of the biggest crowd at Mackenzie Sports Club. Montreal YMCA won 64 to 61, Bill Delhorne scored a game high 26 pts, Joseph Farroba 19 pts, D. Outfield 10 pts. For Linden YMCA Lennox Jones top scored with 21 pts, Alvin Coppin 13 pts, Arlington Blair 10 pts, Winston Osborne 10 pts, James Brusche 6 pts.

Hewley Harry (centre) and other Guyanese players at the reception hosted by then Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Ailan Roger.

Montreal YMCA vs Guyana at National Sports Hall Game One, Guyana won a thriller 78 to 76. For Guyana Aubrey Chalmers had 18 pts, Merton Fitzalbert 16 pts and Orin Cumberbatch 12 pts. For Montreal YMCA: Joseph Farroba 33 pts, Bill Delhorne had 20 pts, D. Outfield 13 pts.
Game two, National Sports Hall, Guyana won 99 to 90. Compton ‘Lofty’ Hinds 25 pts, 10 rebounds, Merton Fitzalbert 21 pts, Phillip Daniels 19 pts and Aubrey Chalmers 12 pts for the home team. For Montreal YMCA: Joseph Farroba had a Sports Hall record 42 pts, Bill Delhorne 18 pts, D. Outfield 12 pts.
Game three at National Sports Hall; Montreal YMCA won 93 to 74. Bill Delhorne poured in 37 pts, Joseph Farroba 33 pts and D. Outfield 12 pts for the visitors. For Guyana, skipper Mike Brusche top scored with 16 pts, the late Stanislaus ‘Knox’ Hadmon on international debut scored 15 pts, Merton Fitzalbert 10 pts.
At the end of the tournament Montreal’s Joseph Farroba and Guyana’s Compton ‘Lofty’ Hinds received gifts after being adjudged the most valuable players respectively.