Berbice, Essequibo open campaigns with wins

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Women’s Inter-County Super50 Tournament bowled off with high drama and historic milestones in the opening round of matches.
In Friday’s match at Lusignan, Demerara won the toss and chose to bat first, but their innings never found momentum. Opening batter Naomi Barkoye showed resistance with a patient 12 from 33 balls, while Cianna Barkoye and Letisha Jordon chipped in with 11 apiece.
Despite these efforts, Demerara struggled against disciplined bowling and were dismissed for 77 in 32 overs.

Essequibo’s attack was led by the impressive Cyanna Retemiah, who delivered excellent figures of 3 for 11. She was supported by the experienced Shonette Belgrave, who claimed 2 for 12 to keep the pressure on throughout the innings.
In reply, Essequibo’s chase began shakily as Tilleya Madramootoo and skipper Kaysia Schultz struck early to remove the openers. A stabilising partnership between Tramaine Marks and Kumarie Persaud appeared to put Essequibo on course, but Demerara clawed back strongly. Jordon produced a decisive spell, trapping Marks LBW for a well-played 26 off 27 balls before Persaud was run out for 13. Jordon continued to tear through the middle order, finishing with excellent figures of 4 for 20.
At 63 for 9, Essequibo were staring at defeat, but the lower order held their nerve. Belgrave (9 from 15) and Yonette Welcome (4 from 10) carefully inched their side past the target, steering Essequibo to 78 for 9 in 23 overs – sealing a thrilling one-wicket win.
The opening game of the tournament was shortened to 20 overs per side due to rain but still carried historic weight, marking the debut of the Hinterland Women’s team – the newest addition to the Inter-County structure and a major step in the GCB’s efforts to broaden opportunities for women’s cricket across Guyana.
Sent in to bat under overcast conditions, the Hinterland team struggled against a ruthless Berbice bowling attack and were dismissed for just 34 in 9.3 overs. Malina Peters was the lone bright spot, top-scoring with 16 from 22 deliveries. Plaffianna Millington starred with the ball for Berbice, claiming remarkable figures of 3 for 5, while captain Sheneta Grimmond and Danellie Manns picked up two wickets each.
Berbice wasted little time in the chase. Despite losing Jada Fraser for 13 and Hicks for a first-ball duck – both wickets claimed by the promising Tiffany LaRose (2 for 10) – the experienced pair of Crystal Durant (8 from 12) and Captain Grimmond (3 from 5) calmly guided their team to 35 for 2 in just 5.3 overs, sealing a commanding victory.