A half century from former national under-19 player, Richie Looknauth ensured that Everest maintained the upper hand with a 162-run lead over Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) heading into the second day of the GISE/Star Party Rental/ Trophy Stall First-Division Two-day tournament at Everest Cricket Club yesterday.
After GNIC won the toss and inserted Everest, Looknauth stroked a defining 70 from 114 balls consisting of six fours and one six to see the host climb to 256 in 73.5 overs.
The academy player forged a 56-run stand for the sixth wicket with Denesh Mangal (14) as the pair built on the foundation laid early by Renaldo Renee (45) and Amir Khan (37). Cameos from Ushardiva Balgobin (15), Travis Mohamed (12), David Williams (30), and Ariel Tilku (14) were also crucial.
Premchand Sookdeo bagged 3-65 while Mark Nicholson and Jeremiah Benjamin picked up two wickets each.
In reply, Sookdeo closed on 22 not out, sharing in a 40-run opening stand with Quacy Richardson who made 26 before being trapped by Khan leg before wicket. Khan then struck three more times to see GNIC struggling at 96-4. Dwain Dick made 19 in his short innings consisting of two sixes and one four while Khan, a former West Indies youth player took 4-26.
