Friendship Secondary were crowned East Bank Demerara zone champions after defeating Diamond Secondary in a low-scoring final of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) yesterday at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Camp Road.
Diamond won the toss, batted and were shot out for a paltry 81 in 22.3 overs. Mavendra Dindyal’s 14 was the top score while Romario Persaud was the only other batsman to reach double figures with 13. Shem Zaman captured 4/14, captain Orlando Ghisiawan had 2/9 and Jonathan Jagdeo 2/15 bowling for Friendship who in reply lost their first five wickets for 33 runs.
However, Shem Zaman and Shawn Harry took the score to 81 before Zaman was dismissed for 33 and Friendship lost two more wickets to set up a tense final moments before Shawn Harry got an inside edge down to fine leg for a single, sending his relieved teammates celebrating.
Harry finished on 19 not out.
Bowling for Diamond Secondary, Anil Singh took 3/24 while Mavendra Dindyal 2/20.
The winning zone final trophy was presented to Friendship Secondary by GCB representative Anthony D’Andrade after the match.
The NSSCL will continue on Tuesday with defending champions Chase Academy playing Christ Church at GCC, Bourda from 10:30 hours.
