Lower Corentyne, led by opening batsman Sundra Budhoo, clinched first innings points against Upper Corentyne to advance to the final of the 2014 Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/National Communication Network (NCN) inter-zone tournament played at the Area ‘H’ Ground, Berbice.
Heavy rainfall on the second day prevented Lower Corentyne from completing an outright victory after they won the toss and batted.
They got off to a flying start as Budhoo (89) and Junior Sinclair (45) added 92 in 16 of the allotted 38 first innings overs.
Sinclair struck three fours while the more aggressive Budhoo blasted eight boundaries as Lower Corentyne ended on 181 for 4 from 38 overs. Kamesharran Chatterpaul claimed two wickets for 36 runs from 13 overs.
In reply, Upper Corentyne were bowled for 38 with only Dineshwar Budhoo (16) offering any resistance. Lower Corentyne skipper Kevelon Anderson (3-3) and Karran Rajpaul (4-5) were the main wicket takers.
With a first innings lead of 143 runs the hosts did not enforce the follow on, choosing to bat again and reached 114 for 2 before declaring, leaving Upper Corentyne a target of 258 to claim a come-from-behind win.
Budhoo made 35 and Sinclair 40. Keith Simpson was left unbeaten on 25 when the declaration was made. Chatterpaul claimed both wickets ending with 2 for 35 runs. Chasing 258 for victory, Upper Corentyne reached 35 for one before the rains came with Dineshwar Budhoo unbeaten on 23.
Lower Corentyne will clash with West Berbice.
The 2014 NCN U15 inter zone tournament is being used by the BCB to select its Inter County team for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) tournament.
