Berbice crush Essequibo to set up final against Demerara

GCB/HIH Inter-county U-19 50 Overs Tournament…

In the rescheduled third round clash between Berbice and Essequibo in the Guyana Cricket Board/Hand-n-Hand Group of Companies Inter-county Under-19 tournament 2016, Berbice found form when it mattered the most to beat Essequibo 79 runs via the Duckworth/Lewis Method on Saturday at Providence.

It was a cat and mouse situation with rain interrupting the game at various points during the day but with the magnificence of the fast drying outfield at the Guyana National Stadium, a result was possible.

Berbice, who were playing inconsistently in this year’s tournament took first strike and were

reduced to 146 for 9 from their allotment of 46 overs.

Siddiq Mohamed bowled impressively and took four wickets for 34 runs from 9 overs with great support from West Indies U-19 vice-captain and Essequibo skipper Keemo Paul with 3 for 28.

Matthew Hardial held the Berbice innings together with a responsible knock of 56 with four boundaries.

Brandon Prashad made 20 and Alex Algo chipped in with 17.

When the boys from the Cinderella county began their reply they were asked to make 156 from 46 overs under the Duckworth/Lewis Method but when they were at 39/1 after 7 overs a sharp shower sent the players off the field.

The target was then revised based on time lost and Essequibo were now looking for 146 from 40 overs with the dark clouds still hovering.

However, Berbice bowlers just needed 19 overs for the demolition job. Essequibo hardly put up any resistance and were bowled out for 67 to win handsomely by 79 runs under the Duckworth/Lewis Method to advance to today’s final also at Providence.

The carnage was served up by Joel Seitaram who ended with 4-24 from eight stingy overs, pacer Sylus Tyndall with 3 for 10 and left-arm spinner Asif Ally who captured 3-12.

Mark Williams played a lone hand with 24 (5×4) with only Siddiq Mohamed (12) getting to double figures while six Essequibo batsmen failed to get off the mark.

Joel Seitaram with figures of 8-2-24-4 was adjudged Player of the match and he received a trophy compliments of the tournament’s sponsor, Hand-in-Hand Group of Companies.

Today is the grand final showdown and it puts together home team, Demerara and their traditional nemesis, Berbice from 9:30 Hrs.