Berbice down Demerara to reach U19 Final; Essequibo claims first victory

Essequibo produced a spirited all-round performance to secure their first victory of the tournament, edging the GCB Select XI by eight runs in a tense encounter at the Lusignan Community Centre ground, as the final round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 Inter-County 50-Overs Championship was staged on Thursday.
Batting first, Essequibo posted 142 all out in 35.3 overs, anchored by Romario Bholo, who struck 27 from 59 deliveries, and Jathniel Nurse, who added 20 from 34 balls, including three boundaries. The Select XI attack was led by Joshua Budhram, who impressed with figures of 4 for 29, while Gibran Yacoob and Roupie Rajaram chipped in with two wickets each.
In reply, the GCB Select XI made a promising start, racing to 77 for 2 before losing momentum with the dismissal of Yannick Newton, who top-scored with a blistering 47 off 31 balls, decorated with 11 fours. However, Essequibo’s bowlers held their nerve, with Shazim Mohamed producing a match-winning spell of 4 for 18 and Darwin Joseph supporting well with 3 for 29 as the Select XI were bowled out for 134 in 36.2 overs.

At the Police Sports Club ground, Berbice booked their place in the final with a commanding performance against unbeaten Demerara. Demerara, choosing to bat first, were restricted to 121 all out in 38 overs. Dhanesh Persaud top-scored with 26 off 86 balls, including two sixes, while Parmeshwar Ram made 21 and Shamar Apple contributed 16. The Berbice attack was spearheaded by a devastating spell from Gilbert Griffith, who claimed 4 for 17, and Feaz Baksh, who supported with 3 for 13.
In response, Berbice chased down the target with ease, reaching 122 for 3 in just 22.2 overs. Razam Koobir led the way with an unbeaten 62 off 74 balls, smashing eight fours and three sixes, while Adrian Hetmyer provided valuable support with 22 runs.
The championship match is now set, with Berbice scheduled to face Demerara on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Rose Hall Canje, Berbice, in what promises to be a highly anticipated clash for Under-19 supremacy.