TSC stuns Everest to reach final

GCA/NBS 2nd Division

Transport Sports Club (TSC) dominance in Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) second division tournaments for the 2016/2017 season continued yesterday as the Thomas Land side prevailed over a strong Everest Cricket Club unit in a thriller to book their place in the final of GCA/ New Building Society 40 overs tournament.

Action in the GCA/ NBS second division semifinal match between Transport Sports Club and Everest Cricket Club on Saturday
Action in the GCA/ NBS second division semifinal match between Transport Sports Club and Everest Cricket Club on Saturday

Played at Everest Cricket Club Ground, TSC defended seven runs in the final over to win by a slim margin of four runs, compliments of a brave effort from all-rounder Oslyn Batson, who operated with an injured bowling hand to seal the deal.

In search of victory Everest last pair got one off the first ball of Batson’s final over, before a dot ball the second delivery followed by a single off the third which amounted pressure and Avishkar Ramgobin charged down to go for a maximum off the fourth only to be stumped by wicket keeper Chemroy Kendell, who completed an excellent day at the office after being involved in four dismissals.

Earlier, TSC won the toss and opted to bat, scoring 159 all out in 35.3 overs, with one of their most consistent batsman Sunil Singh hitting top score of 51. In an unusual manner, Singh operated in aggressive mode as he got off the mark with a timed pull that went sailing over the midwicket boundary for six. He accounted for another six and three fours and added 60 in his team most effective partnership with opener Charwayne McPherson, who made 24.

Former national youth players Richie Looknauth and Ashkaya Persaud claimed three wickets apiece for the hosts while Azad Mohamed captured two scalps. However, accuracy and discipline was not in Everest bowlers’ execution as TSC benefitted from 25 extras.

The hosts’ response started poorly as they lost two wicket with just three runs on the board, but due to a solid third wicket partnership between skipper Persaud and Khemraj Ramdeen, who is arguably the most consistent of all batsmen playing at the second division level in GCA’s cricket, worth 57 runs they were able to return to course and at one time was comfortably place to win the match until a few casualties.

After Ramdeen’s dismissal for 35, a few rash shots caused from tight bowling by the visitors’ bowlers saw Everest chase slump in the latter stage before they enter the final over needing seven runs.

Persaud batted superb for 80, but apart from him and Ramdeen none of the other batsmen showed determination. Batson and Shawn Massiah were TSC’s best bowlers with two wickets each.

TSC will now have to get past powerhouse Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in the final to claim the title. Can they get past that final hurdle? Keep abreast with GCA news to witness the final in the upcoming weeks. (Delvon Mc Ewan)