Essequibo made light work of Berbice after securing an eight-wicket win on the second day of their second round clash in the Guyana Cricket Board senior inter-county four-day tournament yesterday.
Responding to Berbice’s first innings total of 94 at Enmore Community Centre Ground, Essequibo’s last wicket added just 19 to their overnight score as they were bowled out for 175 in 53.2 overs. Berbice were then contained to 105 all out in 36.2 overs, setting the Cinderella county just 25 runs for victory. Essequibo reached their target in 9.4 overs but lost two wickets.
Essequibo’s Wazim Mohammed moved from 14 to 22 not out as he faced 62 deliveries and stroked two fours and a six while Garfield Phillips, resuming on two, made nine before he was trapped leg before wicket to Nigel Deodat who ended with 6-49.
Berbice’s second innings showed the effects of their missing core, currently on national duties. Deodat returned to hit a top score of 30 from 41 balls. He added 50 for the sixth wicket with Seon Hetmyer who made 28 from 61 balls before being bowled by left-arm spinner, Phillips.
Suresh Dhanai made 11 and Shamal Angel scored 11 but no other batsman reached double figures. Phillips bagged 4-14 while Neiland Codagan took 2-9 and Ricardo Adams grabbed 2-60.
Avinash Persaud and Malcolm Hubbard steered Essequibo over the line with eight runs each as Keyon Sinclair and Dhanai picked up one wicket each.
By virtue of this win, Essequibo currently sits at the top of the table with two wins in two matches.
