History was created when, for the first time in 10 years, the dominant Zeeburg side suffered their first loss against Windsor Forest in the West Demerara Cricket Association’s (WDCA’s) Beacons 50-Over competition at the Zeeburg Cricket Ground.
Top-scorer for Zeeburg, Richardo Poloram (82)
Both teams looked poised and ready for action as they took to the centre for the toss. However, it was Windsor Forest who won the toss and elected to bat first. For Zeeburg, batting first at home in the past had proven beneficial to the side, as they have posted 200-plus scores 90 per cent of the time, dominating their opponents.
Windsor Forest were therefore at a slight advantage, as the Zeeburg side were without four major players — the experienced Yutesh Avi Dhanpaul, Andre Seepersaud, Malcom Hubbard and Ronaldo Renne, who are currently playing in the GCB 50-Over Franchise league.
Windsor Forest were able to post a commanding total of 213 all out in 49.2 overs. Despite losing a few quick wickets, the Windsor Forest side continued to rally as things only got better from there.
They were able to pull together a few mini partnerships that propelled them to a competitive total. Top scoring were Avinash Ganesh with 84, Deoram Chandrabir with 31 and Mohesh Gopie with 32.
Bowling for Zeeburg were Nick Mustapaha, who took 3 for 33, and Damion Allyene, who took 2 for 49.
Zeeburg, in reply, were bundled out for 143 in 26 overs. Things never got going for them; with the lack of their senior players, they struggled constantly to hold partnerships, and in the end it cost them, as it resulted in their first defeat of the tournament and first defeat from Windsor Forest in a decade.
Top scoring was Richardo Poloram with 82, and Damion Allyene with 17, while Dindyal Guyadeen bowled for Windsor Forest and took 4 for 46.
