GCB U13 Inter-County: Demerara, Essequibo secure opening wins

The 2025 edition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-13 Inter-County Tournament bowled off on Saturday with two thrilling encounters at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Ground and the Lusignan Community Centre Ground. Young talents from Demerara, Berbice, Essequibo, and the GCB Select XI displayed energy, skill, and determination as they competed for early bragging rights in the competition.

At the LBI Ground, Demerara took on arch-rivals Berbice in a match filled with momentum shifts. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Demerara’s opening pair Nathaniel Ramkhelawan and Lomar Seecharran laid a solid foundation with a 42-run stand. Seecharran contributed a brisk 19 before being trapped lbw by Kelvin Henry, while Ramkhelawan compiled 28, which he was unable to convert into a big score. Contributions in the middle order from Afraz Khan (20) helped push Demerara to 167 all out in 39.4 overs.
The Berbice bowlers shared the spoils, with Afraz Ali, Khemraj Bharrat, and Kelvin Henry each picking up two wickets.
Chasing 168 for victory, Berbice’s hopes rested heavily on Ali, who produced a fighting 55 from 75 balls. However, he lacked support as wickets tumbled around him. Berbice were eventually bowled out for 112 in 27.3 overs, falling short by 55 runs. Demerara’s spin duo of Deshawn Ramnauth ( two wickets) and Ramkhelawan (three wickets) were instrumental in sealing the win.
Meanwhile, over at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, Essequibo won the toss and decided to bat first against the GCB Select XI. Early pressure came from the Select XI’s opening bowler Tyler Nedd, who struck twice to leave Essequibo struggling. However, a counter-attacking innings from Timothy Ramdat, who smashed 59 off 47 balls, with five fours and four sixes, swung the momentum back. He received support from Captain Marcus Thomas (36) and Marcanthony Obermuller (30), guiding Essequibo to 196 all out in 33.1 overs.
For the Select XI, Aaron DaCosta stood out with the ball, taking 4 for 36, while Nedd and Andrew Narine chipped in with two wickets apiece.
In reply, the Select XI faltered against disciplined bowling, with Essequibo’s attack delivering a dominant performance. Eshwar Tillack was the chief destroyer with figures of 3 for 8, as the Select XI were skittled out for just 76 in 25.1 overs, handing Essequibo a commanding 120-run victory.