A century from 22- year-old wicketkeeper/batsman, Kemol Savory propelled Essequibo to a 90-run win over West Demerara in the opening round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) 50 overs franchise league at the Lusignan Community Centre ground, yesterday.
Essequibo, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were dismissed for 217 at the end of the 49th over.
The elegant but pugnacious left-handed Savory was the rock of the innings, recording 101 in a knock which included four fours and two maximums.
The innings was propped up by Ronsford Beaton (29), Kevon Boodie (23), and Chetram Persaud (22).
Former national under – 19 off spinner, Richie Looknaught (3-39) did a decent job with the ball.
Ewert Samuels (2-11) and Travis Persaud (2-50) chipped in with wickets for West Demerara, who were then bundled out for 137 in 38.5 overs to hand Essequibo the opening win.
West Demerara found no answer to the left-arm spin triumvirate of Anthony Adams (3-22), Ricardo Adams (3-44) and Akenie Admas (2-9), who shared eight wickets among them.
Only former West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman, Tevin Imlach, mustered any resistance against Essequibo’s attack with a knock of 37.
The match also saw the return to action of West Indies speedster, Beaton who sent down two overs for 11 runs.
Meanwhile, skipper Adams, in an invited comment after the match, indicated that Savory’s knock has inspired the team in more ways than one. He also credited the input of Beaton for the team’s success yesterday.
“Savory’s knock was a very good one, he showed a lot of maturity on a wicket that wasn’t easy to bat on, and he got results, and hopefully he can continue in that same vein for us moving forward and help us to win,” Adams noted.
Adams credited his fellow countryman Beaton for his efforts both with the ball and otherwise.
“Beaton being part of the squad is a big plus. We have a lot of youngsters in the squad and a lot of young fast bowlers who can learn a lot from him.
“They can speak to him and gain his knowledge as someone who has played at the highest level, and he was very helpful today in the field,” the skipper expressed.
