A match defining century by Kandasammy Surujnarine in a low-scoring affair kept Georgetown winless after a 35-run defeat to Upper Corentyne in round four of the SBF Petroleum/ Cricket Guy Inc., Jaguars 50-overs-a-side Franchise League yesterday at the Bush Lot Ground.
Surujnarine’s feat was only the second ton of the tournament as he spurred Upper Corentyne to 173 all out in 44.1 overs before their spinners kept the city side down to 138-9 in 31.4 overs.
With the sun coming out in full fury, the match was delayed by 25 minutes due to the late arrival of the teams but nevertheless, the Berbice side won the toss and opted to bat.
The 26-year-old Surujnarine started positively and launched a lethal assault on the 10-man Georgetown side as he clobbered 13 fours along with a six off a full toss from Leon Johnson that was belted into the Bush Lot Secondary School ground at square leg. On his way to 108, the right-hander spent nearly three hours at the crease in his 121-ball innings before picking out Jeremiah Scott at long on to hand Christopher Barnwell (3-30) his third wicket.
After the match, the century maker explained that this innings was important to him since he understands the importance of scoring runs as he remains hungry to break into the national side. From a team perspective, he said that he was happy to turn around the fortunes of his side.
The Albion opener struggled to find partners with Anthony Bramble falling to a sharp catch at silly point off of left-arm spinner, Ashmead Nedd who pulled out a spectacular bowling display to end with 4-18.
Only former national U15, Jonathan Rampersaud spent any time at the crease, providing support to the century maker as they shared in a 53-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Rampersaud’s 32-ball 15 was ended when he was bowled by off-spinner, Winston Forrester (2-18) who also accounted for Ritish Umroa as Upper Corentyne slipped to 140-6.
Discarded national player, Eon Hooper and Surujnarine added 36 but when Hooper was bowled for 12 by Nedd, Upper Corentyne lost their last four wickets in the space of two runs.
In reply, Georgetown failed to capitalize on five dropped catches by Upper Corentyne and a solid opening stand.
Joshua Persaud (31) and Forrester added 64 but two quick strikes had Upper Corentyne back in the contest with the batting side 67-2 after 10 overs.
Georgetown were dependent on the experienced duo of Johnson and Barnwell (17) to pull them out of the hole but the pair could only muster 45 runs together in their hour-long stay at the crease.
However, the positive partnership was broken when Rampersaud (2-9) encouraged Johnson to come forward only to be stumped by Bramble for 23 and bring Upper Corentyne back in the contest with the city side still needing 55 runs more.
Scott and Adrian Hinds spent little time as the spinners began their hunt with both batsmen back in the shed cheaply compliments of Gourav Ramesh (2-28).
With one man short, Georgetown were all but beaten when Barnwell was bowled by Hooper for 17 at 128-7. They had lost five wickets for 10 runs.
They will now look to stop their losing streak at four as they take on East Bank at the Georgetown Cricket Club while Upper Corentyne will battle West Berbice at Bush Lot today.
