Shivanand Roopnarine’s half century outshone Jeremiah Harris’ fifty as Third Class upset the Guyana Defence Force to cruise to a seven-wicket win as action in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/New Building Society second division 40 overs competition continued yesterday at the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO).
Roopnarine’s pulsating innings of 63 gave Third Class the upper hand against GDF after Harris’ responsible knock of 55 proved insufficient in a game reduced to 33 overs per side after early morning rain. GDF were restricted to 151-8 while Third Class responded with a quick fire 156-3 in 21.2 overs.
GDF opted to take first strike and slipped to 61-3 before the 20th over. However, a responsible partnership worth 73 runs between former national youth players, Jeremiah Harris (55) and Dennis Legay (21) steadied the military’s innings. Harris slammed eight boundaries but after his partnership with Legay ended, the opposition bowled with accuracy to stem the flow of runs and claimed a few wickets.
Only Dameon Ross (30) of the remaining batsmen scored more than 20 while Keon Bailey captured 3-26 to finish as Third Class’ leading bowler. Trevor Hossein 2-19 and Alvin Castello 2-32 also bowled well.
In reply, Third Class were stuttering at 48-3 until a 108 runs unbroken fourth wicket partnership between Roopnarine and Andre Oneil (41) guided them to their target. Roopnarine smashed 12 fours and a solitary six while Oneil amassed three fours and three sixes. Castello chipped in with 24 (4×4, 1×6) as Colin Mc Pherson, Ravi Persaud and Marcus Watkins finished with one scalp each.
The match that was set for the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda between the host and Guyana National Industrial Corporation Cricket team was called off due to rain.
Caption: Paul Castello and Trevor Hossein contributed to yet another Third Class’ victory.
