Lower Corentyne’s victory over Essequibo in the previous round has now left the two teams neck-and-neck as they press for the SBF Petroleum/ Cricket Guy Inc., Jaguars 50-over Franchise League title when the fifth round commences today.
Both teams are on 20 points with only net run rate separating the two sides while West Berbice and West Demerara remain in contention on 15 points, ahead of Upper Corentyne who have 14 points.
East Bank are on 10 points, Georgetown are on five and a winless East Coast without a point. Lower Corentyne will face Romario Shepherd’s West Demerara at the Cumberland Ground, Canje, today while Essequibo takes on Amir Khan’s East Coast side at Lusignan.
Shimron Hetmyer’s West Berbice side will battle Leon Johnson’s Georgetown at Everest and East Bank will go up against Anthony Bramble’s Upper Corentyne at the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda.
Lower Corentyne have dominated so far in the tournament and has been the stand out team, especially with their win over the defending champions. With both bat and ball, the Veerasammy Permaul-led unit has been uncompromising.
Leading from the front with the bat has been Jonathan Foo, who continues to push for national selection with 218 runs so far in five innings. Foo’s presence at the crease has restricted oppositions from getting through the middle order consistently. He has also shepherded West Indies Under-19 selectee, Kelvon Anderson.
Anderson has already chalked up 137 runs from his five innings in addition to his two wickets. Foo also has two wickets.
Lower Corentyne has relied on the services of seamer, Nial Smith, who continues to intimidate batsmen with
his fierce bowling. He has earned 14 wickets so far and has been well supported by left-arm spinners in his captain, Permaul with nine wickets in four matches and Kelvin Umroa with eight.
Essequibo has showcased its ability to come out of tight positions which is probably why they are the defending champions with contributions coming from every player.
Whether in front or behind the stumps, Kemol Savory has been the livewire in the team. Savory closely trails Foo on the run charts with 207 runs to add to his sharp work behind the stumps.
Quentin Sampson has been the surprise package for the Cinderella County with his cameos often saving the side. Sampson has notched up 181 runs so far despite not scoring a half century.
Additionally, their spin-heavy bowling department has been able to defend whatever the batsmen post on most occasions. Ahead of them alI are left-arm spinners, Anthony and Ricardo Adams with 10 and 11 wickets each while fellow left-arm spinner, Akinie Adams has seven wickets.
In the face of the spin-dominated bowling attack, Ronsford Beaton has also put his hand up for a national recall with pace, bounce and mind games, earning him eight wickets at an economy rate of under four.
