Sandpipers into final 4 after 2-wicket win

Sandpipers defeated Herstelling by two wickets on Saturday to move into the semifinals of the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association 50-over tournament.
Played at the Farm ground, Sandpipers were successful in their run chase as they earned the 177 they needed through determined batting and quite a few let offs by the Herstelling fielders, who dropped five catches.
Sandpipers run chase was off to a good start but the middle and lower orders stuttered along the way. Rico Ramsundaar and Kevin Pillew added 65 runs in their team’s opening stand before the latter was off left arm spinner Ricky Sargeant for 25. His innings included three fours. The said bowler then had Venesh Persaud leg before wicket for two.
The pair of Tethram Persaud and Ramsundaar scored 36 runs for the third wicket partnership. When Persaud was dismissed for 24, Ramsundaar formed yet another valuable partnership with Rickford Samaroo, who made 20. Ramsundaar was finally dismissed for 47 which included four fours and two sixes. After his demised, Herstelling made a few inroads to find themselves in a bit of worry. However Colin Benn kept his composure and along with Keshra Persaud (07*) saw their team home. Benn finished unbeaten on 25; Sergeant claimed 3-36 and Delroy Williams 3-30.
Earlier, when Herstelling batted they were off to a good start with Sergeant and Rondell Daniels adding 59 for the opening stand before Daniels was dismissed for 25 after hitting two fours and one six.
Herstelling then slipped to 78-5 as they lost four quick wickets. Michael Alexander (05), Anand Bharat (00), Quazie Yusuf (10) and Sergeant 29 (4×4, 1×6) were dismissed during that period before Seon Willis and Trevor Parris steadied the innings somewhat with a sixth-wicket stand of 56. Willis hit one four in scoring 25 while Parris struck two fours before he was dismissed for 35.
Thereafter, steady bowling by Sandpipers restricted the scoring as Herstelling were bowled out in 35.5 overs. Olufemi Sandy was the pick of the bowlers with 3-28 while Errol Greaves had 2-18 and Samaroo 2-35.