The Bush Lot United Cricket Club of West Coast Berbice defeated Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association’s (GFSCA) Floodlights Masters by 6 wickets with 5 balls to spare in a thrilling T20 fund raising match played at the Bush Lot Cricket Ground on Mashramani Day. The match was part of a family fun day organized by the executive members of the Bush Lot Mandir, proceeds of which will go towards repairs to the fence of the place of worship.
On a hot day with cloudless skies, Floodlights Masters won the toss and took first strike. They galloped to 42 for 1 wicket in the first four overs. Opener Robin Bacchus, a national senior cricketer and guest player was the first to go bowled by R Kishun for 19. His partner national under 19 opener Alex Algoo, another guest
Steve Narine of GFSCA (left), hands over the winning trophy to Rajbance Hemraj in the presence of his Bush Lot United Cricket Club team mates
player, continued the assault in the company of Uniss Yusuf and former Berbice under 15 all-rounder Aaron Beharry, to take the score to 143 in the 15th over. Algoo made 58 with 3×6 and 9×4, Yusuf 26 and Beharry 22. Thereafter, the innings fell part with the visitors losing quick wickets in quest for runs ending on 171 for 8 off their allotted 20 overs. Tameshwar Persaud was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 for 22 off 4 overs.
In reply, the host started poorly, losing their first wicket at 20. A. Matabeek join Raphael Estriado and played positively to take the score to 60 for 2 in just the fifth over before losing Matabeek for 22. Christendat Bissoon came and went early for 10 with Floodlights fighting back. However, Bush Lot United had other ideas as the skipper Rajbance Hemraj came to the crease. He lost Estriado for 31 but teamed up with Ralph Ogle to take his team to victory in the final over. Hemraj was unbeaten on 59 (2×6; 6×4) and Ogle was 17 not out. Anil Beharry took 2 wickets. He got support from his son Aaron Beharry and 2018 Inter County under 15 selectee Ajay Gainda 1 wicket a-piece. At the after match presentation ceremony, Hemraj was named Man of the Match. He thanked the organizers for the game, congratulated his team and wished the opponents better luck next time. Speaking on behalf of the visitors, Steve Narine congratulated the winners and thanked the organizers for the invitation.
In a kind gesture, Ricky Deonarain donated $50,000 on behalf of GFSCA. Lalta Gainda of Gainmart, UG Road and of Bel Air Rubis also made a contribution of $25,000 towards the project.
