By Marlon Munroe
Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) and Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) are in the driver’s seat over Maltenoes Sports Club (MSC) and Everest Cricket Club (ECC) respectively after semi final action got underway yesterday in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Cellink first division cricket tournament.
Over at the Everest ground DCC at the end of day one were 105-3, and 141 runs in deficit to gain first innings points, replying to ECC’S 246 all out. In the other semi-final game at the MSC ground GNIC made an imposing 277 all out and MSC are precariously poised at 155-7 in reply when at stumps on day one.
DCC’s Christopher Barnwell is unbeaten on 47 (3×4) with night watchman Trevon Garraway, yet to come off the mark. Trevon Griffith made a cameo 30 that included five boundaries and one six. Earlier, after ECC were sent in to bat, Andrew Gonsalves made a commanding 80 while Chris Pattadin made an even 50 (5×4, 1×6)
Ryan Rajmangal (30) and Chanderpaul Hemraj (27) also made meaningful contributions with the bat. Dennis Squires, bowling for DCC, was the pick of the bowlers when he snared three wickets while getting support from Leroy Bristol and Totaram Bishun who picked up two wickets apiece.
A half century, which included eight boundaries, from GNIC opener Quincy Ovid-Richardson (54) set the foundation for his team’s final total. He was well supported by Martin Rajmangal (40), Ken Alphonso (38) and Clyde Butts (27).
Steven Jacobs took 4-52 and Seon Daniels grabbed 2-40 bowling for MSC. In MSC’s reply Damian Vantull was left not out on 33 with five powerfully struck sixes in a 36-run partnership with not out batsman Safraz Essan who is on 20 (2×4).
Ranole Bourne (3-56) and Butts (2-36) were the principal destroyers for GNIC.
Both games are scheduled to finish today.