National all-rounder Ricardo Adams made his mark in this year’s SBF Petroleum Jaguars One-Day League by stringing together a crafty all-round showing which piloted defending champions Essequibo to a commanding 115-run over Upper Corentyne at the Everest Cricket Club Ground, yesterday.
Adams struck a fierce half-century and later returned with the ball to produce a tidy effort and hand his side the win, their second of the tournament.
The day began with Essequibo winning the toss and electing to bat, posting 235-9 from their allotted 50 overs. Run-scoring was spearheaded by Ricardo Adams who cracked 54 which included five fours and three maximums.
Adams shared in the 84-run stand with Kemol Savory (33) who was again amongst the runs while lower-order blows came off the bat of the ultra-aggressive all-rounder Quentin Sampson (45) who fell five short of his half-century.
His innings propped up Adams’ and Savory’s earlier exploits and aided in propelling the title holders to a respectable score.
Meanwhile, national Under – 17 left-arm spinner Gaurav Ramesh ended as the pick of the bowlers for the Upper Corentyne side, finishing with figures of 3-38 while Sylus Tyndell (2-33) and Cameron (2-44) were useful with the ball for Upper Corentyne who were shot out for 120 in response.
Speedster Ronsford Beaton (2-19) set the tone for the Essequibians with another fierce opening burst which was backed up by Ricardo Adams (3-18), Akinie Adams (3-21) and skipper Anthony Adams (1-21) who gave nothing away and strangled the middle order.
Jonathan Rampersaud (33) and skipper Shawn Perreira (30) were the only batsmen to muster any fight.
Meanwhile, Lower Corentyne defeated East Coast by eight wickets at Enmore on the back of a splendid bowling performance by left-arm spinner Kelvin Umroa.
East Coast, batting first, were routed for 89 inside 33 overs with Umroa snaring 5-25 from his 10 overs.
Veerasammy Permaul was hard to get away as he claimed 2-9 from 10 overs to complete an exceptional effort. Amir Khan (33) top-scored for the East Coast side.
Lower Corentyne in response coasted to 90-2 in 19 overs with West Indies Under – 19 selectee Kevlon Anderson ending unbeaten on 41 to see his side over the line. Sean Hetmyer (33) was also unbeaten at the end.
