Defending champions GT&T Berbice scraped to a draw with only one wicket in hand against the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President’s XI yesterday in the second round of the GCB-sponsored U-15 tournament at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground.
The President’s XI resumed on their overnight score of 68 for 1 from 27 overs – ahead by 42 – and eventually set Berbice a victory target of 126 in the two-day competition. The President’s XI ended with 152 for 9 from 60 overs. Raymond Perez continued his form from the first innings where he scored 39 by stroking a fluent second innings knock of 59. Richie Lucknauth supported with 21.
Berbician Joel Seetaram was the pick of the bowlers grabbing 5 for 43 from 22 overs.
Berbice started their chase poorly, eventually slumping to 84 for 9. Escaping defeat, the last pair scratched and fought their way through 13 overs to save the game, ending on 92 for 9.
Filton Crandon scored 27 and Joel Seetaram who had success with the ball earlier in the match scored 13. They were the only players to reach double figures.
Richie Lucknauth was the chief destroyer taking 6 for 33 from his 25 overs and was supported by Kheshram Seyhodan who picked up 2 for 11 from 12 overs.
The Man of the Match award was given to Lucknauth for his excellent bowling along with his contribution with the bat. Playing at the Wales Community Centre Ground, Demerara continued their winning ways handing Essequibo a defeat by an innings and 23 runs in their encounter.
Essequibo found themselves all out for 64 in their second innings following their poor first innings score of 60.
Mark Williams was the only Essequibian to reach double figures with a score of 30. Spinner Sagar Hathairamani continued to cause trouble in the tournament as he captured 4 wickets for 9 runs in 6.3 overs, Timothy McAlmont and Ronaldo Mohamed picked up 2 wickets each.
Demerara’s first innings which yielded 149 for the loss of 9 wickets saw contributions from Ronaldo Mohamed (35), Stephan Campbell (29) and Joel McAlister (22).
Demerara’s Vice-Captain Ronaldo Mohamed was adjudged Man of the Match for his performances with the ball.
The final round is set for tomorrow and Sunday when the two top teams, Berbice and Demerara clash at GCC, while GCB President’s XI will meet Essequibo at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground. Matches start at 10:00 hours each day.
