A magnificent all-round performance by Berbice under-15 all-rounder Shawn Perreira led his team to victory. He scored 20 when his team batted and then returned with the ball to claim seven wickets. His team posted 201-7 from 60 overs but Tucber Park could only muster 141 in reply from 56.1 overs.
Batting first, RHTFM lost opener Collis Cort in the fourth over when he was dismissed by fast bowler Judason Bess for nought with the score on five. Pacer Orlando Tanner then had number three batsman Jamal Brusch smartly caught by Nial Smith at point for seven to leave the team in some trouble at 13-2.
Opener Nicholas Cameron and Perreira added 41 runs for the third wicket before Perreira was bowled off the inside edge by off-spinner Andel De Jonge, who returned with the bat to score a brilliant 56. Cameron (22) and Jamal Jarvis (3) both fell quickly afterwards as Tucber Park fought back to reduce the home team to 65-5 in the 26th over.
Loyden Lewis (62), playing his final under-15 match, featured in partnerships with Lenny Sinclair (12) and Neil Pike (46), who completely dominated the Tucber Park bowling attack with a crucial 80-run seventh wicket stand. Lewis was undefeated after stroking five boundaries and a six. De Jonge took 4-36.
Tucber Park chasing 202 for victory off 60 overs had an opening stand of 20 between Jermaine Henry (20) and skipper Devindra Jainabi (10). However, Tucber Park collapsed and was reeling at 68-7 as the spinners spun webs around batsmen afraid to use their feet. Perreira accounted for the wickets of De Jonge (10), Randolph Davis (4), Totaram Deonarine (5), Smith (16) and Orlando Tanner (1).
Perreira ended with 7-40 off 24 overs while off-spinner Lewis took 2-40 off 19 overs.
At the presentation ceremony Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Public Relations Officer Hilbert Foster praised both teams. He also challenged the players of the two teams to remain focused and disciplined in the future. On behalf of the BCB, he expressed gratitude to Bobby Deonarine, Tom Gruentzel and the Management of the Tenelec Inc, based in Washington DC, USA, for their continued investment in cricket in the ancient county. Tenelec Inc’s investment is “crucial to the success of Berbice cricket” Foster stated, as the under-15 level is the nursery of the game.
RHTFM received the winning prize of $30,000 and the winner’s trophy and Tucber Park received the runner-up package of $15,000. Perreira received a trophy and $5,000 after being named player-of-the-final by Chairman of the National Junior Selection Committee Michael Franco Hyles.
In an invited comment, RHTFM captain Lewis dedicated his team’s victory to June and Andrew Mendes and the Management of Farfan & Mendes for their continued sponsorship of the team since 1996.
