Playing his final under-19 game, Berbice allrounder Terrence Madramootoo produced an outstanding batting performance to lead his team, Rose Hall Town Pepsi (RHTP) to a nail-biting two wicket victory over Scottsburg United to lift their second Spready’s Bakery under-19 title.
RHTP reached 161 in the 47th over after they were in serious trouble in the 28th over. Madramootoo, who ended with 61 not out (7x4s, 4x6s) and Berbice Under-15 leg spinner Shawn Perreira, came together after their team was reeling at 100-8 adding 66 vital runs to take RHTP to victory.
Earlier in the day, in a match reduced to 47 overs due to early morning rain, Scottsburg elected to bat first after winning the toss and reached 160 from 46 overs with captain Anthony Bramble carving out a well played 61 (6x4s, 1×6).
The remaining batsmen, apart from Thomas, struggled against the spin-based attack and Scottsburg were eventually all out in the 46th over with Thomas being last man out for a patient 44 ( two fours). Bowling for RHTP, Madramootoo took 2-26, Dominic Rickey 2-25, Lloydel Lewis 2-38 and Shawn Perreira 2-29.
In reply, RHTP was rocked early on by medium pacer Marvin Harvey, bowling with a suspect action. Rickey was caught behind for one in the third over while his opening partner was trapped lbw for seven when the score was 14 in the fifth over.
Skipper Eon Hooper and Leon Crawford staged a mini-recovery by adding 31 in six overs before Harvey struck again by bowling Crawford for six. Hooper was then caught brilliantly at cover by Harvey off off-spinner Alex Amsterdam for an aggressive 33 (2x6s, 3x4s) to leave RHTP at 58 for 4 in the 16th over.
Scottsburg sensing victory kept the pressure up as Lloydel Lewis (12), Nelroy Hicks (7), Lionel Lewis (2) and Simon Lawson (8) were dismissed cheaply to leave the home team at 100-8. The experienced Madramootoo then attacked the Scottsburg bowlers with much success in partnership with the level-headed 13-year-old Perreira.
Madramootoo ended the match with a massive six off leg spinner N. Yacoob. Harvey ended with 4-43 (10) and Ryan Ramdass 2-38.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Hilbert Foster speaking at the presentation ceremony praised both teams for high quality of play and for providing the large crowd with a good game. He expressed profound gratitude to Spready’s Bakery for their continued investment in Berbice cricket.
Third vice president of the BCB, Mark Lyte, expressed his satisfaction and called on the young cricketers to always be discipline, committed and focused.
Mr. Nazimul Fudadin, representing the sponsor, hailed the smooth running of the tournament and congratulated RHTP for lifting the cup while he encouraged Scottsburg to be proud of being the losing finalist. He noted that the company was satisfied with the administration of cricket in Berbice and he revealed that sponsorship of the tournament in 2010 was secured.
Madramootoo was named player of the final. He received $5,000 while the runner up team collected $15, 000. RHTP received the Spready’s trophy and $30, 000.
Hooper dedicated his team’s victory to Pepsi and the Marketing staff of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) the official sponsor of the team for the past six years.
