An unbeaten century from President’s XI skipper Vishal Singh ensured a draw for his team yesterday against Berbice despite Royston Crandon’s ton, as the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) senior Inter-County four-day tourney concluded its second round at the Everest Ground.
Singh who made a fighting 55 in the first innings followed up his fine form with a classy 100 off 188 deliveries inclusive of six boundaries. He was involved in a sixth-wicket 130-run partnership with Seon Hetmyer who struck five fours in his score of 40, as the President’s XI ended on 260 for 7 off 90 overs.
Opener Robin Bacchus smashed nine fours and three maximums in his quick-fire 63 of 65 deliveries. Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo who picked up 6 for 57 in the first innings, grabbed 3 for 87, finishing with a total of 9 for 144.
The former West Indies ODI player Crandon added 33 to his overnight total of 79 slamming six boundaries and two sixes in his unbeaten 112. Resuming on 265 for the loss of 6, fast bowler Kellon Carmichael claimed 2 for 24, removing Bishoo (11) and Eugene LaFleur (0) before Berbice declared on 319 for 8. Off-spinner Collis Butts was the pick of the President’s XI bowlers picking up 3 for 64.
The President’s XI was faced with a deficit of 134 heading into their second innings. After losing Bacchus who was well set and Shemroy Barrington (0), Ryan Ramdass (11) and Dominic Rikhi (0) in quick succession, Singh once again dug his team out of trouble.
At the break, the President’s XI was 146 for 4, led by Singh and Hetmyer who batted smartly, raising the team’s 150 in 45.4 overs. Hetymer was then caught by wicket-keeper Jonathan Foo, who was filling in for regular keeper Anthony Bramble who was unwell.
After Jason Sinclair (17) was dismissed, Singh looking to reach his milestone, did so in cautious fashion picking up singles and two’s and along with Carmichael (1) not out steered the team’s ship to safety. Crandon and fast-bowler Raun Johnson finished with figures of 2 for 54 and 2 for 41 respectively.
Demerara completed a crushing win against Essequibo on Saturday.
The next round set for Tuesday will see Demerara squaring off against Berbice at the Enmore ground, while the President’s XI will battle Essequibo at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground (GCC), Bourda.
