With the West Demerara Cricket Association’s (WDCA’s) Beacons 50-Over competition set to restart in October, after a break occasioned by intermittent showers, the Zeeburg Cricket Club got off to a winning note in a 25-over affair against MMZ Future Youths at the Meter-Meer-Zorg ground.
MMZ won the toss and put Zeeburg in to bat first on a slightly damp wicket. Having previously dominated many of the competitions held on the West Coast of Demerara, many expected Zeeburg to post a mammoth total. They instead were bowled out for 166 in 24.5 overs.
From inception of the match, Zeeburg suffered a mini- collapse, losing vital wickets at key moments and failing to hold partnerships together.
However, the valiant efforts of Mark Jeffers (36), Ronaldo Renee (30) and Jamal Gomes (24) lifted them to 166.
Bowling for MMZ Future Youths were Sheldon Alexander, with 2 for 21; and Dexter George, with 2 for 45.
Needing 166 runs to win from 160 balls, MMZ were revelling in their fortunate circumstance, considering that they had time to play themselves in and chase the small total.
Their openers came to the crease and got things off to a moderate start during the ‘powerplay’ overs, but failed to carry on, Mark Jeffers coming into the attack and tormenting the MMZ batsmen.
MMZ could not hold together any partnership, as the bowling of Jeffers and Damion Alleyne dented their hopes of attaining a victory over Zeeburg.
Ultimately, MMZ were bowled out for 50 in 18.3 overs. Top scoring for MMZ were Sheldon Alexander with 10, and Jermain Maxwell with 18. No other batsman could contribute any worthwhile score, as Mark Jeffers snared 5-11 and Damion Alleyne picked up 3-17.
