GCA/NSB 2nd Division 40-over…
By Delvon McEwan
Transport Sports Club (TSC) defied the odds on Saturday to defeat powerhouses of Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) by a narrow margin of 10 runs to win their first New Building Society (NBS) second division 40-over title.
The TSC team has been consistent at the second division level of GCA cricket, especially for a club without a practicing facility for approximately 12 years. However, yesterday playing in front of scores of spectators, they prove their worth at this level after they posted 182 all out before returning to restrict DCC to 172 all out in 36.1 overs at the world renown Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground, Bourda.
Like he did for TSC two weeks ago in their unsuccessful attempt to claim the Noble House Second Division two-day title against Guyana Nation Industrial Corporation (GNIC), Rafael Singh was once again his side’s most instrumental player in the final. His 41 runs and bowling figures of 2-27 from his quota of eight overs earned him the man-of-the match award.
After being inserted by DCC, who played with a weakened team due to some of their top players having to represent Georgetown in the Demerara Inter-Association Tournament, TSC reached a score 18 runs short of 200 compliments of Oslyn Batson 42 from 43 deliveries, Singh’s 41 and opener Adrian Hinds (26).
Experience campaigner Dennis Squires was outstanding with the ball for DCC, picking up 3-15 from eight overs while his senior and skipper Lyndon Lyght took 3-47 and fast bowler Carlton Jacques bagged 2-28.
In pursuit of the target, DCC never looked in command thus the game swung back and forth until TSC sealed the deal.
After losing their first wicket at 24-1, the Queenstown side slipped to 98-5 then 106-6 until a 34-run seventh wicket partnership between Lyght (12) and Jacques (28) gave them some hope.
However, when TSC skipper Shaun Massiah removed his opposite number trapped in front with the score at 140-7, it was obvious the pressure would be mounted on the batting side which required 42 with three wickets in hand.
Jacques tried relentlessly with the remaining batsmen, sharing 15 followed by 17 in the eighth and ninth wicket stance.
With 11 to get from four overs, Jacques who batted responsibly for most of his innings attempted a big heave against Massiah off the first ball of the 37th over and was cleaned bowled.
His dismissal sparked celebration for the Thomas Lands side, which started their journey as GCA/ NBS champions for the 2016/ 2017 season.
