After a lengthy delay, the highly anticipated Regional Democratic Council (RDC)/ Lloyd Britton/ Devcon Construction/ Regional Executive Officer (REO) Inter Secondary Schools Knock out competition will see the third place playoff today and the inaugural final tomorrow, both at Everest Cricket Club, Camp Road.
Today’s action will see Hope Secondary and Friendship Secondary going head-to-head in the two innings per side contest that was originally scheduled to conclude two weeks ago but was plagued with consistent rainfall as well as lack of venues since the three mainly used grounds suffered from occupancy and unprepared pitches thanks to the absence of covers.
Hope has been the stand out team with the likes of Transport Sports Club star, Joshua Blackman leading the charge with his sensational big hitting coupled with the patience to spend time at the crease.
Hope will depend on their bowling strength as they seek 20 wickets. It is undoubtedly possible since they have skittled teams out for sup par scores such as 57 and 44 as was the case against Ann’s Grove Secondary.
Amir Mohamed has been the stand out bowler, claiming match figures of 6-8 in the semifinals with Troy Simpson, one of a handful of bowlers with a five wicket haul continue to improve.
Blackman has picked up significant wickets including a 4-11 spell in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Friendship would have felt unlucky having missed out a spot in the final in their match against Diamond Secondary in the semi-finals.
Friendship managed to contain the destructive national batsman, Mavindra Dindyal while stifling the scoring to reduce the East Bank Demerara school to 62-4 in their seven overs while their batting equally up to the challenge matched the score as the contest ended in a draw to which Diamond advanced by virtue of accumulated points. Prince Ford and Damion Smith have led the bowling from the front, claiming more than five wickets each in all their matches but the stand out is Rondel Kattow who impressed with 6-6 match figures in the second round against Soesdyke Secondary. Unfortunately, Kattow suffered a broken thumb, holding on to a sharp return catch from Dindyal in the semifinal.
Adrian Lim, at the top of the order has been explosive and holding the spine of the team, consistently guiding them through rough points in the game, even scoring a responsible 44 against Soesdyke. The contest is expected to begin from 09:00h and admission is free.
