Barnwell’s unbeaten 133 fails to save Georgetown from defeat

Jaguars Franchise 3-day League…

National all-rounder Christopher Barnwell played a spectacular innings on Sunday at the Luisgnan Cricket Ground but failed prevent Georgetown from slumping to an 8- wicket loss to West Demerara in the fifth round of the Jaguars Franchise three-day League.

Skipper Barnwell, who ended day two on seven, with his team precariously placed at 74-3 and still needing 113 runs to avoid an innings defeat, batted in the most responsible fashion to be unbeaten on 133 when his team was bowled out for 264.

The Demerara Cricket Club player, who has not had the best outings with the bat in the tournament, batted in the most snail-like fashion for most of the day. After being locked on 36 for quite some time, his next scoring shots were 4, 6,1,1,1 then a four to take him to his fifty.

It was until he was approaching his century and wickets were tumbling at the other end, that the right-hander began his usually pugnacious style of play by driving pacer Romario Shepherd for four then smashing off-spinner Richie Looknauth after which he return to his shell to take a single off the same bowler to reach the three figure mark.

Wicketkeeper/batsman Dexter Solomon was only other batter to make a substantial score with 32; Shephard took 4/62, Keshram Seyhodan  3/59 and Looknauth had 2/62.

Set a target of 78 for victory, West Demerara reached the target within the mandatory 15 over. Tagenarine Chanderpaul followed up his first innings score of 187 by making 43 not out while , and Akshaya Persaud made 20 not out; off-spinner Gajanan Suknanan claimed 2 wickets. At Port Mourant, Essequibo fell short of their victory target by just 23 runs chasing 248 despite Kemo Paul’s 115. Shivnarine Chanderpaul contributed 39 while Anthony Adams chipped in with 34. Eon Hooper and Shawn Perreira had 3 wickets apiece while Clinton Pestano and Keon Sinclair had 2 wickets each.

At Albion, East Coast Demerara were eventually bowled out for 125 after resuming on their overnight score of 97/7 leaving Lower Corentyne with a target of 210 for a come from behind victory. Royston Crandon and Kassim Khan both finished with 3/20 while Sharaz Ramsarran took 2/21.

Surujnarine Kandasammy’s 71 then led the successful run chase for the home side as the finished on 210/6 to complete victory after conceded what was thought to be a significant first innings lead. He was well supported by Gajanand Singh who made 41. Royston Crandon and Devon Clements completed the chasetofinish on 29 and 13 respectively. Bowling for East Coast Demerara, leg-spinner Steven Sankar took 4/50. At Enterprise, East Bank Demerara were eventually dismissed for 314 as BoodanBaksh finished on 23 not out. Bowling for West Berbice, Keyron Fraser returned with the ball to complete a good all round performance in the match by claiming 4/52. Kevon Jawahir was the other main wicket taker with figures of 3/70. West Berbice in their second turn at the crease were bowled out for 180. Leon Andrews, Andrew Dutchin and Raffael Estraido were the only batsman to score more than 20. East Bank Demerara had 12 without loss when the match ended in a draw.