By Calvin Roberts
Demerara will be looking to redeem themselves while Berbice will be going all out for a win in the final preliminary round match of the Guyana Cricket Board/ Guyana and Trinidad Mutual-sponsored three-day Inter-County cricket competition at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Queenstown from today.
The two had contrasting results in their first round matches with defending champions Demerara, going down to Essequibo by 10 runs inside two days whilst the Berbicians easily disposed of the Essequibians by an innings and 228 runs.
Coach of the Berbice team Adrian Amsterdam told Stabroek Sport in an invited comment that they will be going all out for a win whilst at the same time, trying not to be complacent and take the defending champions lightly.
“Even though a draw will guarantee us the title, we will be looking for an outright win against Demerara. We know that they will be looking to redeem themselves as the defending champions, therefore complacency is not part of our plan.
“Positive cricket is the key and such will be on display from us. We have the tools to bowl them out twice and I am very positive that this team will get the job done and on Sunday, we will be lifting the trophy as winners,” Amsterdam added.
With batsmen of the calibre of Jonathon Foo, who had a good all round game against the Cinderella County team scoring 114 runs in his only innings whilst taking a match haul of 8-60, Alex Amsterdam who made 94 in the same game, wicketkeeper batsman Anthony Bramble and Eugene La Fleur, the Demerara bowlers will have their work cut out for them.
The Berbice bowling is in the capable hands of La Fleur, Foo, Stephen Latcha and Keon Joseph, who, according to Amsterdam, have the capabilities of dismissing the Demerara batting twice.
“We know that lightning don’t strike twice in one place, but in their game against Essequibo it did occur where their batting failed twice despite the good bowling performances by their bowlers. They will be under pressure in this game and we will be looking to capitalize on same in our attempt to come out victorious,” said Amsterdam.
Demerara skipper Denver Greaves is aware that his team will be under pressure.
Greaves did state that the entire team was under pressure following the loss against Essequibo.
“We are under pressure ever since we lost that game. In reality, if one is to take a closer look at that game, our batsmen were the ones at fault. The bowlers dismissed the Essequibo batting lineup for 158 and 61 but our bating was a total letdown.”
He added: “Even though a loss is a loss and when you suffer a loss in a team sport everyone has to shoulder the blame, our batsmen did not live up to expectations after the bowlers completed the job for us in both innings.
“We have the bowling to rout Berbice but if our batting puts on the same display similar to the one against Essequibo, it would be better if we don’t show up tomorrow.”
Demerara coach Orin Bailey is toying with the idea of making a few changes.
“We need to defeat Berbice and do so convincingly in order to retain our title. Against Essequibo, our bowlers bowled impressively but our batsmen failed to apply themselves as they gifted their wicket away easily in some cases without much fight.
“If same can be authorized, I would like to see a few changes made to the squad that was named to play against Essequibo as we have to come out fighting from the word go,” stated Bailey.
The game commences from 10am and a keenly contested match is anticipated.
