GCC’s pacer Carlos La Rose scythed through GNIC’s top six batters before Zachary Jodah’s half-century handed GCC a huge first-inning advantage over their opponents by stumps on day one of their Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) GISE/Star Party Rentals/Trophy Stall First Division 2-day match yesterday at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) Ground on Thomas Lands.
Earlier in the day, GNIC won the toss and elected to bat, only to be demolished for 67 all out as La Rose ran rampant in a devastating spell. In all, GNIC’s innings lasted 23.1 overs, with their highest partnership being the opening stand of 23 between Stephon Campbell and Worrin Green.
After putting on 23 in just over six overs, the La Rose show began with Green (11) edging behind to spark a monumental GNIC collapse. Christopher Campbell joined his namesake Stephon and could only contribute 4 before being trapped Leg Before Wicket (LBW) by La Rose.
From 31/2 in the 9th over, GNIC sank to 37/5 by the 15th over as La Rose sent back Jermaine Grovsnor for an eight-ball duck, trapped Stephon Campbell (16) LBW, and bowled David Dick (1) to complete his five-wicket haul and leave GNIC in dire straits.
Ovid Richardson (9) and Ranole Bourne (11) tried to steady the ship with a sixth-wicket partnership of 11, but La Rose ended the futile attempt by having Richardson caught to curtail any hopes of a GNIC comeback.
Spinners Aryan Persaud and Devon Lord then wrapped up the GNIC tail, taking two wickets apiece. Persaud accounted for Jason George (9) and Deswyn Butts (3), while Lord took the scalps of Ranole Bourne (11) and Olester Bourne (0). La Rose ended with 6-31 (10 overs).
In response, the GCC batsmen found the going tough but managed to post 217/9 by stumps, eking out a lead off 150 runs.
That the GCC side managed to land that advantage was largely down to Zachary Jodah’s fighting 59 (107 balls, 4sx7), supported by Joshua Wade (23), Yudestar Persaud (20), and Lord’s 30.
The GNIC bowlers put in a decent effort as Ovid Richardson led the charge, returning figures of 3-47 (15 overs), while Grosvenor (2-28) and Vikash Vinoo (2-28) chipped in with a couple of wickets each. The game resumes today at the same venue at 9:30 a.m.
