GCB/Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-County tourney a success

Time for selectors to make the right call

By Brandon Corlette

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Dave West Indian Imports Under-15 Inter-County tournament was on Saturday last deemed a success by sponsor Dave Narine. In brief remarks, he hailed the GCB for successfully running off the tournament.
Demerara reigned supreme when they overthrew Berbice in the grand final played at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground (GCC) at Bourda. The tournament saw three preliminary matches being played by the four teams, with the top two teams advancing to the final.
This tournament will be used to select players to play in the upcoming under-17 inter-county tournament and the Guyana Under-15 team to play in the Regional Tournament in Antigua.
Berbice talisman Rampertab Ramnauth copped the Most Runs Award of the tournament, having scored 215 runs with scores of 37, 147*, 10 and 21. Impressive off-spinner Matthew Pottaya, who has one more year at the under-15 level, took 12 wickets in the tournament, the most by any bowler.
Looking at runner-up team Berbice, Isai Thorne was the only player with National experience, having played in the 2018 Regional under-15 tournament. The team was comprised of 80 per cent players that have one or more years remaining at the under-15 level.
Brilliantly led by Captain Alvin Mohabir, champions Demerara looked a formidable unit throughout the tournament, having played four matches and winning all four on the trot.
In the batting department, Rampertab Ramnauth and Jadon Campbell may have the advantage of being the first choice opening batsmen for the National under-15 team. In combination, Ramnauth and Campbell have 374 runs in the tournament, with the left and right hand combination, the duo will complement each other. President’s XI Anthony Khan may also be among the choices as the third specialist opener, having looked solid throughout the tournament. Windies under 16 batsman, Mavindra Dindyal is expected to form the strong middle order core, which may feature the likes of Thaddeus Lovell, Tameshwar Mohabir, Zachary Jodah, Satya France and Alvin Mohabir.
The spinners in the tournament have had an exceptional run, especially Pottaya, Jodah, Krsna Singh and Rayad Latiff.
President’s XI Sachin Balgobin and Berbice’s Salim Khan may also be useful spin options for the selectors to consider. The left-arm spinner Jodah had a ‘player of the match’ performance wherein he showcased his talent with bat and ball. He scored a half-century at Everest against President’s XI, and bowled with great control throughout the tournament.
Apart from spin King Pottaya, who is an off-spinner, Demerara’s Krsna Singh had a brilliant tournament with his off-spin, picking up six wickets, including a ‘player of the match’ performance of 3-14 against Berbice in the first round. He was also economical in his performance, with 14 runs the highest he conceded in one match.
Drifting away from the spinners, Isai Thorne will spearhead the pace attack, which may feature Joash Charles, Lovell, and Omari Lalbachan who grabbed 4-18 in his ‘player of the match’ performance against Essequibo.
The squad that will play as the select under-15 team in the under-17 inter-county tournament will be announced prior to the commencement of that tournament.