West Demerara opening fast bowling pair Romario Shepher
Raymon ReiferRajiv Ivan
d and Raymond Reifer along with emerging spinner Richie Looknauth dismantled West Berbice for 30 as action in the third round of the Jaguars Franchise League got underway on Thursday at the Young Warriors Ground in Cumberland Berbice.
Shepherd 3-14 and Reifer 2-5 combined to take five wickets as they orchestrated the damage very early into the day’s play but it was Looknauth, who sustained the assault with excellent figures of 4-10. It took the visitors 25 overs to rock the host, who is without the service of their leading batsman Shimron Hetmyer due to West Indies commitment.
Reifer then led a strong reply for West Demerara with a scintillating knock worth 119 runs from 121 deliveries. At the close West Demerara reached 276/5 with a healthy lead of 246 and five wickets remaining. Apart from Reifer, Akshya Persaud scored 74 while Safraz Esau struck 53 off 41 balls. Leon Andrews has so far taken 2/55 bowling for West Berbice.
At the Port Mourant Ground, Upper Corentyne was in the hunt for first innings honours at the end of the opening day. They are some 30 runs away with five wickets remaining to gain first innings. Lower Corentyne was dismissed for 162 after they won the toss and chose to bat first. Surujnarine Kandasammy struck 62 while in form batsman Jonathan Foo and Gajanand Singh contributed 22 and 20 respectively. Bowling for Upper Corentyne, Eon Hooper bagged 5/18.
At the close, Upper Corentyne was 133/5, as Rajiv Ivan led the way with 62.
Due to early morning rain the entire first day of the match between Georgetown and East Coast at the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda was washed out.
The downpour left the outfield and parts of the pitch wet forcing the match officials to call off the game at 14:20h.
The match between the neighbours was predicted to be a highly competitive encounter but the players will have to wait until tomorrow to grace the field, weather permitting.
At Everest Cricket Club ground, Essequibo won the toss and decided to bat after a late start due to rain. They reached 8-1, with second round century maker Kevon Boodie back in the hut when the rain returned.
Ryan Shun who opened the bowling with off spin removed Boodie leg before wicket (LBW) for five. Retired Test player Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Avinash Persaud, both on one run apiece were at the crease when rain returned 15 minutes into the day’s play. The match was officially called off at 12:32h.
