Demerara’s Kamesh Yadram scored a patient 64 which included a four and a six from 100 balls before Demerara, batting first, reached 198-9 from 45 overs.
The game was reduced to 45 overs after overnight rain seeped through the covers onto the pitch.
Yadram was supported by wicketkeeper Prince Roberts and Chandrika Persaud who made 19 and 17 respectively.
Extras also contributed 19 to Demerara’s eventual total.
The Essequibians in reply were bowled out for 137.
The Cinderella County’s chief scorers were Raj Parbattie with 22, Mark Gonsalves (18) and Henry Green (17).
Devon George grabbed 3-13 from his 7.3 overs while Premraj Lall, Vishan Narayan and Persaud, returning with the ball, returned figures of 2-18 (9), 2-24 (6) and 2-35 (8) respectively.
Earlier, right arm medium pacer Hassam Mohammed got 3-25 and Green (2-24) and Hemraj Kowlessar (2-35) shared two wickets apiece bowling for Essequibo.
The two teams will clash in round two today at the same venue before the action goes to Enmore where Essequibo will play Berbice on March 12.
The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Junior Selection Committee has named a strong 14-man squad to represent the Ancient County in the tournament.
The team will be led by the talented all rounder Shawn Perreira while national under-15 left arm spinner Gudakesh Motie Kanhai will be his deputy.
Berbice team reads: Shawn Perreira (captain), Gudakesh Motie Kanhai (vice captain), Romario De Jonge, Parmanand Narine, Devin Baldeo, Quacy Mc Pherson, Shailendra Shameer, Viendra Gooniah, Nazrudeen Bux, Sharaz Ramcharran, Royston Wade, Shimron Hetmyer, Manoj Looknauth and Nial Smith.
Reserves: Avinash Wazid, Arif Chan, Nicholas Cameron, Karamchand Ramnarine and Kevin Grannum.
Manager: Zaheer Moakan and Coach: Julian Moore.
