Demerara moved a step closer to retaining the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Hand-In-Hand Insurance Under-19 three-day Inter-County title with a commanding win over Essequibo in the first round, which ended inside two days.
The champions have two more matches remaining against the National Under-17 select squad starting on Friday at Everest Cricket Club Ground followed by the last-round clash against arch-rival Berbice which will determine their fate.
However, retaining the title seems to be in their favour judging from performances by other teams in the first round of the tournament. They secured victory by an innings and 106 runs, compliments of an excellent team performance, including outstanding batting and bowling by key players.
Spearheaded by spinners Keshram Seyhodan and Richie Looknauth as well as medium-pace bowler Renaldo Ali-Mohamed, the hosts were able to execute the basics with the ball and were able to dismiss their opponents for paltry totals in both innings of the first round. They have managed to test the mentality of the opposition batsmen as well as their patience, defence and other attributes.
This started in the 50-over segment and has since been transferred to the longer version as only one batsman managed a significant score to date against the reigning champions. In fact, no team has scored 200 or more runs against the accurate and penetrative Demerara bowlers. It is no surprise because their bowlers are very experienced at this level, with most of them already exposed to cricket at the regional Under-19 level.
Their batting is as strong as their bowling, featuring two West Indies U-19 players – skipper Bhaskar Yadram and Joshua Persaud – and the experienced Raymond Perez and Ali-Mohamed.
Even with the likes of talented young players like Kevin Sinclair, Javed Karim, Steve Deonarine, Adrian Sukwah and Sylus Tyndall, it is almost inconceivable that their archrival Berbice could triumph against them.
Although Berbice defeated the U-17s, it would be a very difficult task for them to get past Demerara when the two teams meet. The team from the east stand the best chance of creating an upset, but they are lacking in many aspects of their game.
The second round of action in the GCB/Hand-In-Hand Insurance three-day inter-county U-19 tournament commences Friday and Demerara will be aiming to secure the title
Their batting has not lived up to expectations, while their bowling department, which is led by Tyndall, is not as effective. However, on a good day with his pace, agility, and ability to take wickets, along with support from the other bowlers, Tyndall could be of concern to his opponents’ batsmen. Providing Berbice improve on certain facets of their game in the second round, the tournament will be in for an interesting finish.
Essequibo and the U-17s also have their role to play to ensure that it is a competitive tournament for all the teams and not just some.
It was projected that Essequibo’s performance would be boosted with some imported players; however, their fortunes remain the same with them faring worse so far.
Hopefully, they gain momentum to make life difficult for the Berbicians when the second-round clash commences.
Meanwhile, with several of their top players expected to make a return today, the U-17s are expected to be a tougher team in this match. Unfortunately, they are playing against the champions. Nevertheless, they have to execute to their best in pursuit of a positive outcome.
Presently, Demerara are favoured to win the title and unless the other teams improve their game, there will be a tussle for second and not the crown.
The teams are as follows: Essequibo: Mark Williams, Sachin Persaud, Kurt Lovell, Adrian Campbell, Mark Ramsammy, Joshua Jones, Quintin Sampson, Beesham Moses, Leslie Allen, Sheldon Charles, Mahindra Persaud, Chanderpaul Mohabir, Kellin Davis, Joel Fortune, Azeem Habib; Loaknauth Persaud (Manager) and Andy Ramnarine (Coach).
Berbice: Adrian Sukwah, Kevin Sinclair, Sasenarine Sukhoo, Veramootoo Senwasane, Javid Karim, Matthew Hardyal, Daniel Samaroo, Emmanuel Seecharran, Karan Arjpaul, Keith Simpson, Deon Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Raymond Vankenic, Steve Deonarine; Michael Newland (Manager) and Adrian Amsterdam (Coach).
Demerara: Bhaskar Yadram (Captain); Ronaldo Ali Mohamed (Vice Captain); Joshua Persaud; Raymond Perez; Navendra Persaud; Ramnarine Chature; Richie Looknauth; Keshram Seyhodan; Stephon Wilson; Sagar Hatharamani; Dwayne Dick; Kishna Singh; Garvin Bodwah; Dambuka Nqgando; Darshan Persaud; Mark Jeffers; Kennard Moonsammy; Mark Ramsammy; Himanauth Dindyal; and Omar Hussine (Manager), Rayon King (Coach) and Dhanpaul (Assistant Coach).
Guyana Under-17: Alex Alvin Algoo, Sachin Stefan Singh, Orlando Jailall, Junior Alvin Sinclair, Kevlon Alston Anderson, Kevin Imran Christian, Robin Williams, Lance Rusell Roberts, Alphius Malcolm Bookie, Rajendra Singh, Nigel Deodat, Ashmead Romanno Nedd, Pradesh Ballkishun, Kelvin Umrao, Mark Gary Rankin, Gevon Shemar Schultz, Reyaz Khan, Qumar Tychicus Torrington; Nazeer Mohamed (Manager) and Orin Bailey (Coach).
