Baldeo 73*, Hooper 5/26
An impressive five-wicket haul from off-spinner Eon Hooper and an unbeaten half century from opener Balchand Baldeo carried Upper Corentyne to first day honours over Georgetown, as the final round of action in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Jaguars Three Day League commenced at Port Mourant, yesterday.
Upper Corentyne, at stumps, were 131 from one, trailing Georgetown by 143 runs and are in a firm position to take first innings points. Baldeo carved out nine fours and a maximum in his unbeaten 73, whilst sharing in an opening partnership of 131 with Kandasammy Surujnarine who stroked 54, before being dismissed in the final over of the day, caught in the slip region. His innings included seven fours and a six, before falling to leg-spinner Steven Sankar.
Earlier, Georgetown, after winning the toss and electing to bat, went to lunch in a spot of bother with the score on 138 – 5. Openers Shemroy Barrington (39) and Raymond Perez (41) squandered good starts and failed to record significant scores.
However, the City Side was rescued by Kellon Carmichael (39), and number eleven Travis Mohammed who top scored with 45 off 42 deliveries, to carry their side to 274 all out in the 72nd over.
Off-spinner Hooper who grabbed three of the five wickets to fall before lunch, finished with 5 – 58, as leg-spinner Shawn Perreira supported with 2 – 65.
Play resumes at 9:30 today.
