National middle order batsman Steven Jacobs and national Under-19 opener Jeetendra Sookdeo struck centuries on the first day in the latest round of matches in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Cellink Plus sponsored first division competition yesterday.
Playing at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Jacobs struck 106, which was decorated with eight sixes and four fours, and together with discarded national opener Shemroy Barrington who made 76 (9×4; 1×6), guided Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) to a formidable 300-7 declared, against their neighbours Transport Sports Club (TSC). MSC were asked to take first strike.
Randy Lindore chipped in with 41 against the bowling of Kevin Ross (4-53) and Oslyn Batson (2-26) for TSC, who were shakily placed on 55-7 in reply, as national Under-17 fast bowler Seon Daniels (4-10) and former national Under-19 fast bowler Quason Nedd (3-18) ripped through their batting line-up.
Across at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, the home team was in a comfortable position to force an outright victory over the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in their encounter, thanks to Sookdeo’s ton.
The 18-year-old struck eight fours and two sixes in his 112, and along with Yannick Grimes’ 91 (6×4; 1×6) guided the team to first innings points at the end of the day, after GDF were bowled out for 62, with Vijay Singh top scoring with 31.
Raj Nanan (4-10) and Kevin Ogle 3-18 did the damage with the ball to GDF’s innings.
In the final match of the round which is being played at the Police Sports Club (PSC) ground Eve Leary, the home team were shakily placed on 115-8 after being at one stage 63 without loss in their fixture against Everest Cricket Club (ECC).
ECC won the toss and opting to take first strike, scored 255-9 declared, with Christopher Patadin 60 (6×4, 3×6), Joseph Perry (52) and Troy Gonsalves and Dayanand Roopnarine 44 each leading the way with the bat against the bowling of Jason Heyliger (3-57), Ricardo Devers (2-34) and Dexter Southwell (2-49).
PSC’s openers Rawle Browne (25), who struck a century against DCC earlier, and Cecil Adams (38) added 63 for the first wicket before they were separated. But that separation spelled doom for PSC, as they crumbled to 115-8 at the close, against the bowling of Troy Gonsalves (6-34) and Sauid Drepaul (2-36).
Today is the final day in all three matches and play will commence at 11:00hrs, weather permitting.
