Barnwell, Perez put DCC in driver’s seat

– Chandrika hits unbeaten 149 for Everest

National all-rounder Christopher Barnwell fell eleven runs short of an yet another First-Division century when Demerara Cricket Club closed by play on 194-6, needing 89 runs to secure first innings points against the visiting Everest Cricket Club on Saturday in the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) General Industrial and Supplies Enterprise (GISE), Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall two-day Competition.

Barnwell’s characteristic up-tempo innings was inclusive of eight fours and five sixes against a bowling attacking which included National spinner Gudakesh Motie. The attacking right-handed batsman was not the only one to don the limelight as Windies under19 Raymond Perez played another class-act to end unbeaten on 63 (6x4s; 1×6).
The duo forged a steely but yet brisk 124-run partnership for the sixth wicket to bail DCC out of trouble after they were 70-5. Windies Youth batsmen Tevin Imlach (00) and Joshua Persaud (27), Alphius Bookie (06), Jahron Byron (03) and Sherfane Rutherford (00) all went for an early shower.
While Barnwell showed his aggression for which he could have been rewarded with a triple figure had it not been for an unnecessary shot in the final over of play, Perez laced the fileed with some crisp drives.
Earlier, the Camp Road unit’s total of 282 was centred around out-of-favour national opening batsman Rajendra Chandrika’ unbeaten 149 (17x4s; 1×6). The next best score was Tagenarine Chanderpaul with 22 while captain Akshaya Persaud made 19. Revelling in the destruction for the home side was spinner Ashmead Nedd with 5-98 in marathon spell of 26 overs. Action will continue today in Queenstown from 09:30h.