The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Dave’s West Indian Imports 1st Division 50-Overs competition continued yesterday with a series of matches across the capital, showcasing outstanding individual performances and dominant team displays. The highlight of the day was Demerara Cricket Club’s (DCC) commanding victory over Malteenoes Sports Club, while Police Sports Club cruised past Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) in a low-scoring affair.
At DCC, in a rain-affected encounter, the home side set an imposing total of 320/6 in their allotted 41 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat. Their innings was powered by a breathtaking century from young all-rounder Jonathan Van Lange, who hammered 111 from just 73 deliveries, dispatching seven fours and an equal number of sixes in a stunning display of power hitting. He was well supported by captain Tevin Imlach, who contributed a composed 83 off 75 balls, striking seven boundaries and three sixes. Alphius Bookie played a fiery cameo, smashing 49 from just 23 balls with six fours and two sixes before being run out, narrowly missing his half-century. Opener Sachin Singh also made a solid contribution with 32. For Malteenoes, Nichosie Barker was the most successful bowler, claiming 2/71 in his 10 overs, while Adrian Hinds, Travon France, and Jeremiah Scott took a wicket each.
Chasing 321 for victory, Malteenoes collapsed under the pressure, mustering only 112 in 23.4 overs. Ashmead Nedd spearheaded DCC’s bowling attack with figures of 4/28 from eight overs, while Ezekiel Wilson matched his wicket haul with 4/37 in 6.4 overs. Christopher Barnwell and Van Lange chipped in with a wicket apiece as Malteenoes struggled to build any meaningful partnerships. Barker top-scored with 34, followed by Andrew Gibson with 19, and Linden Austin, who remained unbeaten on 12. Over at the GCC, Police Sports Club recorded a dominant seven-wicket win in a low-scoring contest. After winning the toss and electing to bat, GCC crumbled to just 77 all out in 33.5 overs, unable to withstand the spin assault led by Police’s Dwain Dick.
Dick produced a sensational spell of 5/8 in 5.5 overs, dismantling the GCC batting lineup. Only Nicholas Shiopersaud (25), Martin Pestano-Bell (14), and Aryan Persaud (12 not out) reached double figures for the home side.
In reply, Police comfortably chased down the target in 16.3 overs, finishing on 81/3 to secure a comprehensive victory. Pernell London anchored the run chase with a composed 49 not out from 59 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes. For GCC, Aryan Persaud and Devon Lord took a wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to stop Police from cruising to victory. With the competition heating up, teams will look to regroup and strategize as matches continue over the coming weekend.
