Under-19 teams, Queenstown and Reliance Hustlers, recorded victories Saturday as the Central Essequibo Cricket Committee 40-over youth competition got underway.
Over at the Imam Bacchus Ground, Affiance, Queenstown won the toss and elected to bat.
The visitors posted 168 all out in 30 overs and then limited Bacchus Bulls to 77 all out in 24 overs.
Queenstown were indebted to wicketkeeper/batsman, Carl Gilgeous, who hit one six and seven fours in the top score of 62 as well as Wazim Mohammed who stroked 53 laced with four sixes and one four. The pair shared a 129-run partnership for the second wicket.
No other batsman reached double figures as Shaziff Mohammed took five wickets for 20 runs from his eight overs. Keshav Deonarine, Shane Smith and Govinda Tulsie took one wicket each for Bacchus Bulls.
In the chase, Beny Persaud and Sheldon Charles made 14 and 13 respectively but Raphael David’s unbeaten 10 was the only other double figure score as Mohammed returned to take four wickets for 12 runs.
He was supported by Rajendra Ramballi who took three wickets for 28 runs along with Gilgeous and Aaron Mohabir who took one wicket each.
In the other match over at the Reliance Sports Ground, South Challengers won the toss and batted. However, the visitors were routed for 98 in 17 overs while the hosts reached 99 for five in 20 overs.
For Challengers, Saheed Khan played the lone hand with 47 at the top of the order. Challengers were not up to the task as Lance Roberts bagged six wickets for 19 runs, aided by Abdool Nadir who returned 2-18.
In reply, Hustlers jostled to their target compliments of Avic Nandalall’s unbeaten 34 and Ramraj Bhopal’s cameo of 17.
The competition continues this Saturday with Reliance Hustlers Youths hosting Imam Bacchus Bulls Youths and Queenstown Youths playing South Challengers at Imam Bacchus ground.
