KINGSTON, Jamaica,CMC – Narsingh Deonarine became the first batsman to crest 1 000 runs in regional first class cricket when he stroked an attractive half-century on yesterday, but Guyana still faced a difficult first innings battle against Jamaica in their 13th round WICB Regional four-day contest.
The 25-year old left-hander scored 63 to move his aggregate for the season to 1013 runs, in the process also breaking the record of 974 runs held by former Leeward Islands batsman Stuart Williams. Despite his landmark, he failed to build on the good start and it left Guyana on 268 for six responding to Jamaica’s 389 all out, at the close of the second day at Jarrett Park, still 121 runs in arrears.
Deonarine, who has played four Tests and five one-dayers for West Indies but has not worn the maroon cap in two years, struck seven fours in an innings that required just 81 balls.
He shared an important 48-run, third wicket stand with Sewnarine Chattergoon who also scored 63 but was guilty too of wasting a good foundation.
Guyana were given a rousing start as Christopher Barnwell clobbered five fours and a six in a cameo 38 from 31 balls, in posting 79 for the first wicket with Chattergoon.
When Guyana lost wickets to slip to 165 for four, Assad Fudadin (32 not out) and Steven Jacobs (19) shared 52 for the fifth wicket to keep Guyana in the hunt.
Odean Brown captured two for 55 to be Jamaica’s best bowler while medium pacer David Bernard Jr took two for 66.
Earlier, Carlton Baugh made 63 and Andrew Richardson got 25, as Jamaica built on their overnight 294 for four. Baugh, unbeaten on 50 at the start, added just 13 before falling lbw to fast bowler Brandon Bess while Bernard added just four before being trapped in front by Barnwell for 36.