Demerara secured first innings points over Essequibo and ended day one of the Hand-in-Hand sponsored, Inter-County Under – 19 three-day tournament on 162-5, earning a lead of 87 runs at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground.
Day one advantage for the host was built around a maiden Inter-County five-wicket haul from off-spinner Joel Spooner and a half-century from stroke-maker Alphius Bookie.
The day began with Demerara winning the toss and inserting the visitors, who were skittled out for 75 in 33.4 overs. Only openers Orland Jailall (27) and Jeremiah Scott (17) got into double figures as Spooner nabbed 5-10 in 3.4 overs in a spell which dismantled Essequibo’s middle order.
The off-spinner, who has been a consistent performer in 2019, received support from seamer Qumar Torrington (1-15) who got the initial breakthrough with the second ball of the match by removing Kevin Christian (00) while Sachin Singh (1-8), Bookie (1-9) and skipper Ashmead Nedd (1-13) all ticked the wickets column.
Demerara in their first innings response, quickly rubbed off the first innings deficit and earned a lead on the back of a 65-run stand between Bookie, who carved out five fours and a maximum in a fine innings of 51, and opener Robin Williams (42) who looked comfortable at the top of the innings before being dismissed short of a half-century.
Off Spinner Amit Persaud (2-45) has so far been the pick of the bowlers for the Essequibians. Today’s play resumes at 10:00hrs.
