Romario Shepherd-De Jonge’s 91 steered Berbice to a 99 run victory over opponents Demerara, while President’s XI defeated Essequibo by 31 runs as the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/GTM Under-19 Inter-County 50 overs-a-side bowled off yesterday in Berbice and Georgetown.
Playing on a good batting track at the Albion Sports ground, hosts Berbice reached 228 for 4,
thanks to Shepherd-De Jonge’s knock which was reinforced by Sharaz Ramcharran who hit a responsible 58 not out.
Devon Lord was the most successful Demerara bowler in terms of economy as he yielded 36 runs from his allotted 10 overs picking up one wicket in the process. He was aided by Steven Sankar and skipper Kamesh Yadram with one wicket apiece.
At the crease, Demerara needing 229 for the win folded in their chase after being scuttled for 129 in 48 overs, thanks to the consistent bowling form of Shailendra Shameer who picked up 4 for 30 from his 10 overs and Derek Narine who added to the damage, grabbing 2 for 21. With the bat, Demerara’s skipper Yadram (40), along with left hander Kemol Savory (26) offered the most resistance.
Shepherd-De Jonge was named man of the match for his innings of 91.
Over at the Everest Cricket Club ground, President’s XI batted first and scored 150 in 45 overs, with opener Ryan Shun stroking five boundaries and a six in his top knock of 44.
Garfield De Roche scored 29 which included a four and two sixes and Avishkar Sewkaran finished with 18.
Essequibian Julio Jones picked up 2 for 26, while spinner Ricardo Adams chipped in with 2 for 20.
In their reply, Essequibo lost their way as they were routed for 119 in 26.5 overs.
Rajiv Balgobin hit two sixes and a four in his knock of 28, while Adams who had picked up a couple of wickets earlier in the match, returned with the bat scoring a useful 27 and Andy Dass played a brief cameo smashing three boundaries and a six in his score of 23.
President’s XI spinner Mark Hamilton snared 4 for 31.
At the post-match presentation, De Roche was adjudicated match MVP for his performance with bat and ball.
The action continues today with Berbice taking on the President’s XI at Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), while Essequibo will battle Demerara at Everest.
