By Marlon Munroe
Despite rain curtailing play for the morning session, Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) batsman Krishna Arjune managed a century in his team’s 247-3 from 69 overs against Everest in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) three-day first division tournament. The former national opener, Arjune, had, at the end of the first day recorded seven boundaries in his unbeaten 133 at the Everest Cricket Club ground as the host bowlers toiled. David Dick, Arjune’s undefeated partner, needs four more runs for his half century.
Arjune built his innings by working the ball around the green while picking up the odd boundary.
Earlier, at the top of the order, Quincy Ovid-Richardson stroked 34 which included two boundaries and a six and Elton Baker contributed 25 in the opening slot. Leg spinner Rakesh Goberdan, who recently returned from Canada, was the main wicket-taker with 2-47 from 15 overs while Javed Rasheed chipped in with 1-67 from his 15 overs.
MSC versus DCC
Over at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) national wicketkeeper\batsman Derwin Christian, of Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), bludgeoned six maximums and a solitary boundary in his unbeaten innings of 44 as his club strolled to 143-2 off 34 overs against the hosts. With Christian at the crease going in to the second day next Saturday is Deonauth Baksh not out on 35 that consisted of four boundaries.
After DCC won the toss and batted in a match that started at 14:45 hours due to morning showers, the visitors got off to a good start from national all rounder Christopher Barnwell who stroked six boundaries in his 41 opening the batting. Subsequently, the MSC bowlers felt the wrath of the burly right hander who stood and delivered in a knock that required him to run twice doubles.
Left arm spinner Damien Vantull, who is rapidly improving as he plies his trade, was the only to bowler with any success that was speared from Christian’s onslaught. He returned miserly figures 2-27 from 13 overs.
GCC versus TSC
Transport Sports Club (TSC) found themselves in a spot of bother against Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) at the world famous venue. TSC closed the first day, after 32 overs, 79-4 after that match commenced at 15:15 hours.
GCC spinner Treon Forde (1-2) took the fourth wicket in the second last over the days play.
Left not out at the crease are Chandra Persaud, who fought his way to 16 not out, and Shane Chase, yet to get off the mark.
Kevin Alphonso and Steven Alves got starts at the top of the order but finished with 28 and 21 respectively.
Ricardo Jaggernauth (1-2), Raj Nanan (1-14) and Chidinand Chivram (1-18) were the other strike bowlers for GCC with one wicket apiece.
On the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), host team Lusignan Cricket Club (LCC) had to endure a 124-run partnership for the Police Sport Club’s (PSC) second-wicket between Raul Brown (75) and Shameer Fazal (21) as PSC finished day one on 233-7 from 62 overs. After PSC lost their first wicket cheaply, Brown, coming off another all-round performance last week, smashed 10 boundaries and a six in his team’s revival innings.
Fazal hit five boundaries but another slump came until not out batsmen Trevor Benn (25), who has been selected ahead of fast national fast bowler Trevon Garraway in the 21-man national squad that is currently preparing for the regional first class season next January, and Pernel London (23) instituted another revival. Benn hit three boundaries while his partner knocked two.
Vishnu Ramjeet (3-55) and Anil Haniff (2-40) were the main wicket takers for LCC- bowling 19 and 12 overs respectively.
All matches continue next Saturday.