National all-rounder Clinton Pestano has signed off 2023 with runs and wickets in local cricket. Pestano, who churned out five centuries last year, had solid performances in Trinidad and Tobago, while playing for Cosmos in the T&T Premiership.

The 31-year-old who lost 15lbs, is a fit and improved fast-bowling all-rounder who is eager to give his best for Guyana.

Pestano had strong performances for Everest Cricket Club and Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, playing first division cricket in Guyana.

He is aiming to transition into the Guyana Harpy Eagles set-up as preparations for the 2024 Regional Four-Day season intensifies.

“I did a lot of strength and condition work, I also did a lot of work on my batting. I lost about 15lbs which was one of my goal,” Pestano told Cricnation592. 

The right-hander described 2023 as a difficult one but it was one of his best years as it relates to his fitness and all-round performances.

“It was a very good feeling during a tough period, 2023 was one of the best year in terms of proformance and fitness for me.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles players have already began training, with a fitness assessment at Leonora earlier this week, and Pestano was not invited to the fitness assessment.

“No, I was not invited to do the fitness test,” Pestano said.

“If I am a part of the team I would show a lot of my experience to the team,” Pestano added.

Known for his hat-trick against Trinidad and Tobago in a Regional Super50, Pestano last played for Guyana in November 2022.

In his 11 First-Class matches, Pestano has 36 wickets at an average just above 30, with three four-wicket hauls under his belt.

His performances of recent has been compelling in local cricket in Guyana and Trinidad. Pestano had racked up 159 while playing for Everest, 106 for Cosmos in Trinidad and Tobago and he had tasted all-round success.

In the match where Pestano scored 106, he also claimed four wickets. During another red-ball fixture in Trinidad, he scored 72 and picked up 5-78 in 27 overs.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles will need that extra fast-bowling option with Regional Four-Day matches billed for Barbados. The likes of Shamar Joseph and Romario Shepherd, and Keemo Paul will be occupied with white-ball duties overseas during the earlier round of the Four-Day season which bowls off early next month.