By Clifton Ross
Demerara’s U15 cricket team defeated Berbice by 91 runs yesterday to be the new champions of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Limacol U15 cricket competition.
Playing at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground (GCC, in what was a virtual final, Demerara, resuming on 35 without loss and a lead of 75 runs, finished on 161 for 8 at the end of 56 overs.
Skipper Bhaskar Yadram, who had an unfortunate collision with bowler Joel Seetaram in the first innings and retired hurt on 16, resumed his innings yesterday and went on to stroke a classy 71.
He was supported by Stefan Campbell (14), Cleon McEwan (16) and a gritty (12) not out from Sagar Hetheramani.
Joel Seeraram was the pick of the bowlers picking up 4 for 48 of 20 overs.
Chasing 202 to win from 56 overs, GT&T Berbice started their chase positively. Openers Adrian Sukwah and Matthew Hardial put on a 31-run partnership picking up singles and twos at a consistent pace.
After the opening stand was broken, Berbice suffered a batting collapse and were eventually skittled for 111 in 52.2 overs.
Sukwah was the only batsman to contribute significantly, stroking 54. His opening partner Hardial supported with 20.
Ronaldo Mohamed and Hetheramani picked up three wickets each while Kelvin Shewpersaud finished with 2 for 25.
Sukwah was named Man-of-the-Match for his half century.
Over at the Demerara Cricket Ground (DCC), President’s XI mauled Essequibo by a massive 218 runs, earning the runner’s up spot.
President’s XI took their score to 134 for 9 after resuming on 26 without loss.
Raymond Perez continued his form by stroking 35 while Zameer Inshan (23) and Andrew Clifford lent support.
Essequibo’s Sachin Persaud picked up 5 for 42 from 16 overs while Besham Moses bagged 4 for 44 from 15 overs taking his wickets tally to eight in the match.
Essequibo lost their way from the start and were eventually routed for a miserable 38 runs inside 21 overs.
Randy Rooplall (10) was their highest scorer.
Richie Lucknauth’s destructive spell of 5 for 19 from 10.5 overs and Darshan Persaud 2 for 9 sealed Essequibo’s fate.
Moses and Lucknauth shared the man-of-the-Match award.
At a simple ceremony after the match were members of the GCB executive body, Marketing Manager of The New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC Inc) Trevor Basoo and Director of Sports Neil Kumar.
At the presentation ceremony, The GCB President Drubahadur and Secretary Anand Sanasie thanked the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC Inc) for its contribution to the development of cricket and the opportunity to have youngsters showcase their talent and love for the game while encouraging them to continue playing cricket.
New GPC’s Marketing Manager Trevor Bassoo highlighted his overwhelming gratitude to the GCB stating that the New GPC is committed to the development of cricket in Guyana and also pledged GPC’s commitment to sponsoring future tournaments.
Kumar briefly said the tournament was the reservoir for the future of cricket in Guyana and West Indies and echoed the call for players to continue playing the game so they can be the next generation of great Guyanese cricketers.
