Defending champions South Essequibo retained the title of Essequibo zone champions of the nation-wide Neal and Massy limited overs cricket competition when they defeated Leguan by 57 runs in their zone final at the Anna Regina ground on Saturday.
In the reduced 32-overs-a-side encounter, South Essequibo won the toss and batted on a good batting track.
They eventually posted 216-9 from their allotted overs with five of their batsmen getting starts but failing to carry on.
Former national Under-15 batsman Delon Heyliger and the diminutive Ryan Fredericks led the way with 27 each while Patrick Rooplall supported with 25. Chandie Jairam made 24 while there were 46 extras.
Bowling for Leguan B. Roopchand took 3-25 while C. Carter and R. Austin took two wickets for 26 and 25 runs respectively.
Leguan, in reply, made 159-9 when the overs ran out despite an opening partnership of 57 runs between M. Jatan and B. Roopchand, who made 28 and 22 respectively.
Mustafa Zaman top-scored with 34 while Royston Alkins took 4-36 and Heyliger 2-27.
South Essequibo has qualified for the nation-wide semifinals.
They now await their semi-final opponents.
