Essequibo ahead despite Suknannan’s 6 for 22

Georgetown off-spinner Gajanan Suknannan’s six-wicket haul has proven futile, as Essequibo ended the opening day of round four with a 40-run lead heading into day two in the Guyana Jaguars’ three-day franchise league.
Suknannan snatched 6-22 in his first innings to restrict Essequibo to 170 all out in 51.4 overs, despite knocks from Keemo Paul who top-scored with 43, and leading-run scorer for the competition, Kemol Savory, chipping in with 38; while Kevon Boodie contributed 22, as Chris Barnwell, Ramaal Lewis, Kellon Carmichael and Steven Sankar finished with a wicket each.

Earlier, Essequibo skipper and left-arm spinner Anthony Adams bagged 4-33, while Paul (3-29) and all-rounder Ricardo Adams (3-38), were instrumental in Georgetown being rattled out for a paltry 117 in 39 overs.
The batting for Georgetown was led by Robin Bacchus, who scored 34, while support came from the lower order duo of Sankar (22) and Suknannan (12).
Batting a second time, Georgetown were 13-0 from five overs, with openers Raymond Perez (13*) and Robin Bacchus (00*), set to resume today.
Over at Port Mourant Ground, Upper Corentyne ended their first day on 267-7 from 100 overs, thanks mainly to some quality innings from opener Kandasammy Surujnarine (63), national wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble (62), Rajiv Ivan (47) and Balchand Baldeo (36).

After the openers added 74 before losing their first wicket, Ivan and Bramble joined forces as they added 100 runs for the fifth wicket to keep their team in a good position.
The bowling for West Demerara was led by Keshram Seodan, who grabbed 2-31 from 20 overs, while support came from fast-bowler Romario Shepherd (2-39) and spinner Richie Looknauth (2-34).
At Young Warriors ground, Lower Corentyne were bowled out for 148 in 54.5 overs in their first innings versus East Bank. Alex Algoo 14, Kevlon Anderson 44, Seon Hetmyer 28, and Veerasammy Permaul 17, were the premier scorers. Bowling for East Bank, Sherfane Rutherford and Darshan Persaud both picked up 4 wickets, while Keon Morris and Steven Jacobs claimed a wicket each. East Bank were 132 for 8 at close of play.

Over at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice won the toss and elected to bowl, leaving East Coast 134-8 in 32.2 overs at lunch. Rajendra Chandrika 14, Brian Sattuar 13, Bhaskar Yadram 21, Joshua Persaud 19, and Kamesh Yadram 21, were among the top scorers.
Day two action continues today at 9:30hrs.