All-rounder Royston Crandon’s 95 backed up by leg-spinner Amir Khan’s six wickets left defending champions Demerara on the ropes in their second round Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Inter-County four-day tournament match played yesterday at the Enmore Community Centre ground.
Resuming on the overnight score of 73 for 3, Berbice were eventually bowled out just before the stroke of tea for 243. They were once again spurred by Crandon (95), who fell short of what would have been his second century of the tournament. His support came from Krisendatt Ramoo (49) who missed out on a well-deserved half-century. Leg-spinner Khan then claimed 6 wickets, leaving Demerara teetering at 68 for 6 in their second innings, 14 runs behind the first innings lead of 82.
Demerara were victims of a top and middle-order batting implosion, with opener Trevon Griffith (40) being the top scorer. Skipper Leon Johnson, who made 38 in the first innings, fell for 10. Rajendra Chandrika (2), Ramnaresh Sarwan (1), Christopher Barnwell (5) and Steven Jacobs (2) were the big guns that failed to fire. Earlier, Crandon and Ramoo batted through the entire first session, clearing off Demerara’s first innings total of 161, taking their total to 182 for 3 at lunch with Crandon on 84. At the end of the second day, Khan (4) and Chris Pattadin who was yet to score were the two players at the crease.
The second session was a glaring contrast to the first with Berbice losing seven wickets for a further 60 runs after Crandon fell. Jonathan Foo (0), Devon Clements (0), Anthony Bramble (15), Davendra Bishoo (7) and Raun Johnson (11) fell in quick succession.
Action continues today at 9.30am.
