Imlach, Perez star as DCC Clinch 2-Day Title

A classy century from captain Tevin Imlach and a composed run chase from Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) sealed a seven-wicket victory over Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) in the GISE, Star Rentals, Trophy Stall First Division Two-Day Final, played at the DCC Ground over the weekend.

Winning the toss, DCC elected to bowl first, and veteran all-rounder Christopher Barnwell struck early, removing Martin Pestono-Belle for just 4. DCC’s spinners were soon in the action, tightening the screws as GCC found themselves in a spot of bother during the middle session.
However, Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed and Mavendra Dindyal turned the tide with a brilliant 147-run partnership that revived the visitors’ innings. The stand was eventually broken by Jonathan Van Lange, who dismissed Ali-Mohammed for a fluent 87 off 73 balls, including 8 fours and 5 sixes.
After his dismissal, GCC’s lower order crumbled, offering little resistance. Dindyal stood tall amidst the collapse, compiling a classy 106 from 146 deliveries, decorated with 11 fours and 2 sixes, before being the final wicket to fall. GCC were eventually bowled out for 262. For DCC, Ezekiel Wilson was the pick of the bowlers with outstanding figures of 5 for 39, while Jonathan Van Lange provided strong support, claiming 3 for 38.
In reply, DCC endured a shaky start, slipping to 34 for 2 within five overs. The aggressive Raymond Perez and the composed Tevin Imlach then steadied the innings with a vital 85-run partnership.
Perez entertained the home crowd with an attacking 71 from 46 balls, striking 7 fours and 5 sixes, before Kevin Sinclair broke the partnership. Mavendra Dindyal, continuing his all-round impact, later removed Sachin Singh for 18 off 38 balls.
At stumps on Day 1, Tevin Imlach remained unbeaten on 61, alongside Jonathan Van Lange, who was not out on 26. DCC closed the day on 198 for 4, trailing by 64 runs with six wickets still in hand.
Resuming on Day 2, Tevin Imlach continued his fine form, powering his way to a brilliant 107, guiding DCC into a commanding position. His 105-run partnership with Jonathan Van Lange, who scored a fluent 65 from 91 balls (7 fours, 1 six), set the platform for a strong total.
A lively cameo from Christopher Barnwell (34) pushed DCC to 337 all out, giving them a 75-run first-innings lead.
In their second innings, GCC got off to a promising start as Kevin Sinclair (35) and Navindra Persaud (34) laid a solid foundation. Yeudistir Persaud, batting at number four, produced an impressive 86 from 77 balls, but DCC’s spinners fought back brilliantly, dismantling the middle and lower order to bowl GCC out for 210.
Set 135 for victory, DCC faced early trouble at 23 for 3 after six overs. However, Raymond Perez and Tevin Imlach steadied nerves with a composed and unbeaten partnership. Perez finished 49 not out, while Imlach capped a superb all-round match with 61 off 49 balls, guiding DCC to 137 for 3 – and a seven-wicket win to be crowned Georgetown’s First Division Two-Day Champions.