TSC earns 1st innings in contrasting quarterfinals

GCA/ Noble House Seafoods 2nd division

− Richardson leads GNIC with ton

The sun was out in its glory on Saturday and the day was conducive for cricket allowing all four quarterfinals in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/ Noble House Seafoods second division two day competition its full day’s play.

Although the day was good for the gentleman’s game only three teams made good of it while three others had horrible displays and two had mix fortunes.

It was a great day for Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC), Everest Cricket Club and last year’s finalist Transport Sports Club (TSC). It was a horrible day for powerhouse, Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO). While Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) and Police were locked in battle at the end of day one.

TSC is the only team to claim first innings at the end of day one while GDF is close to doing so and could get there early on the second’s day (today) play. Fierce battles are expected in the other two matches.

Led by 92 from experience player Devaughn Nandan, TSC scored 266 all out in 49 overs batting first. Nandan was supported by opener Sunil Singh, who made 52 while Charwayne McPherson and Azeem Azeez chipped in with scores of 37 and 29 respectively.

S. Ishmile led MYO’s bowling with figures of 4-39 and was assisted by T. Arjune, who claimed 2-29. In response the host, MYO was bundled out for 51 in 20.1 overs. Richard Lattif made 19 while Keon Morris 5-36 and Kevin Ross3-8 caused havoc throughout the host innings.

With a lead of 215 and a semifinal berth insight, TSC enforced the follow on and MYO are currently on 53-6 from 15.2 overs. Shahid Gittens made 22 while Joshua Wilson 5-11 and Keon Morris 1-14 are the wicket takers for TSC.

Across at Camp Ayangana, former national youth player, Ovid Richarson (121), struck the day’s only century while his colleague David Dick (98) missed out on a ton by just two runs after an excellent batting display posted a mammoth total of 325-9 declared for the visitors against the military unit.

Another former junior player showed guts for GDF as he captured 5-58. His team mate, Leon Andrews, known more for his batting collected three scalps.

GDF in response slumped to 22-7, before the day’s play ended with them facing an uphill task of getting 303 runs with just three wickets in hand. Off spinner Gajanand Suknanan with three wickets and Rawle Merrel, who took two wickets so far have led GNIC’s charge.

At Carifesta Avenue, host Everest was still batting after the entire day went in their favour as they were able to close on 368-7 from 90 overs. Their most consistent performer with the bat, Khemraj Ramdeen was once again focus on getting his job done as he managed a top score of 97. West Indies u-19 selectee Bhaskar Yadram marked his call up to the Caribbean junior team with a brisk 63 while Dwayne Adams hit 58. Kamesh Yadram and Ashkaya Persaud were also among the runs with respective scores of 42 and 41.

Everest batting was good from the start with a 64 run opening partnership between Persaud and Shaheed Mohamed (21) and continued through the innings and included a keen 93 run fifth wicket partnership between Ramdeen and Adams, which saw the host moved from 222-4 to 315-5.

The experience duo of Linden Lyght 3-57 and Dennis Squires 2-71 were the most successful option for DCC.

In probably the most balance clash off the day, Police trails MSC by 185 runs with nine wicket in hand at Eve Leary.

Malteenoes scored 245 all out compliments of Kellon Carmichael’s (77) and starts from Clarence Baird 35 and Carlyle Collins 30. That was despite a superb bowling performance from Vishal Jaigobin, who snared seven victims.

The host closed the day on 60-1 in their reply.

It was a good day for GCA’s cricket although some teams did not deliver on the first day. Nevertheless today lots are expected from all the team and the clash between DCC and Everest is expected to be the keenest of the four matches. Not to take away from the intensity from the other matches.

Play is scheduled to get underway at 10:30h in all matches.