Berbice recorded a less convincing title defence in defeating Demerara by five wickets on the final day of the third round of the Hand-In-Hand Inter-County Under-19 three-day tournament at the Lusignan Community Centre ground yesterday on the back of an 11-wicket haul from Kelvin Umroa.
Resuming their second innings on 12-5 with a dismal lead of just 18, Demerara never looked the part as they rolled over for 58 in 27 overs to follow their first innings of 60.
Berbice in their chase flattered throughout but eventually reached their target of 65-5 in 19.4 overs after their first innings score of 54.
Another disappointing day was hampered with showers forcing the first session of play to be lost but when the day’s play began, it was back to business for the Albion left-arm spinner.
Man-of-the-Match Umroa, who had taken three five-wicket hauls and three already in this innings, didn’t miss a step as he found the edge of night watchman, Diquan Bamfield’s bat (02) into the wicket-keeper’s glove in the third over of the day. He then removed Pradesh Balkishun with a gem of a delivery that rocketed into the top of middle stump to send him on his way for a watchful three.
Sachin Singh had another disappointing outing as he failed to score and was dismissed by off-spinner, Junior Sinclair to complete a ‘pair’ (dismissed without scoring in both innings).
Joel Spooner batted positively for his top score of 17 with two fours and a lone six off of Umroa but became the West Indies Under-19 prospect’s sixth wicket to cap off a 23-wicket tournament for him at an average of just over seven.
Qumar Torrington (15 not out) and skipper, Ashmead Nedd (07) forged a valuable partnership of 19 for the last wicket but Nigel Deodat wrapped up proceedings to finish with 2-2. Sinclair took 2-9.
In the chase, Demerara missed the trick as they opted to open with seam and Berbice batted with ease to see the seamers off without losing a wicket.
When Spooner’s off-spin was introduced, he immediately got purchase from the wicket and drew Alex Algoo into a wild shot down to long on that settled in the hands of Andrew Samaroo for 10 while a mix-up saw Sinclair short of his ground when he was sent back on nine.
Kevlon Anderson and Seon Glasgow brought Berbice within grasp of their target but both batsmen looked for glory with Anderson picking out Samaroo at mid wicket off of Nedd for 16 and Glasgow clean bowled by Spooner for 18.
With just one run needed, Garfield Benjamin also looked for glory but a careless swipe resulted in his stumps being shattered by Nedd who later bowled a front-foot no-ball to hand Berbice the title.
Nedd and Spooner ended with two wickets each for 26 and 21 runs respectively.
Both captains were disappointed with their respective team’s batting performance and said that they wanted to make amends in the shorter format.
Nedd said the one-day format will suit his team’s style of play and that he was looking forward to the challenge while Anderson reflected on the poor batting display that he pledged to work on as they head into the new tournament.
The tournament will now shift focus to the 50-overs format which bowls off on Monday as Albion Community Center hosts Essequibo against Berbice and Demerara batting Select Under-17 at Everest Cricket Club.
