— Upper Corentyne, Essequibo and East Coast also in winners’ row
Kevon BoodieAnthony AdamsRicardo Adams
est Demerara rebounded from a humiliating defeat in the first round of the Jaguars Franchise League to East Coast, to thrash East Bank by a mammoth margin of 200 runs yesterday on the third and final day of their match at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.
The West Demerara bowling attack was very destructive on Sunday as they wrecked East Bank’s batting for 129 all out, with Raymond Reifer (3-14) and Richie Looknauth (3-45) being the chief wreckers.
Mark Rhobe (40), who batted deep in the order at number eight along with Sherfane Rutherford (32) and Vishal Singh were the only batsmen for East Bank to reach 20. One of East Bank’s senior player Steven Jacobs lean run continued as he was sent packing for just seven.
Earlier West Demerara resumed the day on 164-5 but lost their remaining five wickets quickly for 72 runs as leg spinner Ershad Ali made constant inroads to finish with seven wickets in the innings. Nevertheless West Bank made 236 in their second innings to set a total of 329 for East Bank to achieve victory.
In pursuit of the target East Bank lost early wickets and never recover as they slipped to a huge loss.
Notable performers in the match were West Demerara’s Travis Persaud and Tagenarine Chanderpaul for scoring half centuries along with brilliant all-round effort from Reifer and Romario Shepherd. Meanwhile Ali was the lone standout for East Bank throughout the match.
Scores in the match; West Demerara 253 and 236 and East Bank scored 160 and 129.
At Young Warriors ground in Cumberland, Essequibo recorded a come from behind victory over West Berbice by six wickets. It was Kevin Boodie’s heroic knock with the bat and Ricardo and Anthony Adams all-round performances that inspired Essequibo to the win.
Set 215 to win, Essequibo reached 216-4 thanks to Boodie’s (102) century and Ricardo Adams 49. Ricardo Peters chipped in with 29. Bowling for West Berbice Kevin Jawahir took two wickets.
Earlier West Berbice was rattled for 163 in their second innings with Aveshkar Sewkarran being the principal scorer with 40 while West Indies U-19 captain chipped in with 35. Ricardo Adams and Anthony Adams were the chief wicket takers with 5-25 and 3-25 respectively.
Scores in that match; West Berbice 171 and 163 and Essequibo 119 and 216-4.
Over at Albion Community Development Centre ground, Georgetown’s poor performance continued as Lower Corentyne won by nine wickets.
Resuming the final day on 249-6 Lower Corentyne was routed for 290, with a lead of 78 runs. In their second turn at the crease, Georgetown made a paltry 140 as only Robin Bacchus (57) made a significant score.
Left arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul took his tally in two matches to 19 wickets as he snared five wickets. He was supported by pacer Raun Johnson, who has been bowling well since the first match.
Set 62 to win, Lower Corentyne reached 65-1, with the competition leading scorer Jonathan Foo, making 26 not out and Surujnarine Kandasammy 24 not out. Devon Clements was the only casualty in the chase.
Scores in the match; Georgetown 212 and 140 and Lower Corentyne 290 and 65-1.
East Coast recorded victory early on the final day by six wickets over Upper Corentyne. The winners started the day with 83 runs adrift from winning the match with nine wickets in hand. They further lost three wickets but reach the target of 117-4, to record a comfortable win. It was their second win in two matches. Chanderpaul Hemraj made 34 while Rajendra Chandrika was unbeaten on 31.
The tournament will continue on Thursday with four matches. At Everest, East Bank will play Essequibo. Upper Corentyne and Lower Corentyne will clash at Port Mourant, Georgetown and East Coast will meet at Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda and West Berbice and West Demerara will do battle at Young Warriors ground.
