Defending champions Demerara took a giant step to retaining their Guyana Cricket Board Igloo Ice Cream U15 Inter County title when they captured first innings points against arch rivals Berbice at the end of the first day’s play of the final round of the competition.
Playing at the Everest Cricket Club ground, a superb bowling spell by Ashmead Nedd saw eight Berbice batsmen failing
to score as Berbice was dismissed for 92 in 32.5 overs in reply to Demerara’s 186-5 off 42 overs.
Nedd claimed 4-25 from 11 overs and Anthony Antonio 2-9 from four overs.
Opening batsman Kevin Sinclair topscored with 55 from 105 balls after putting on 33 for the first wicket with Surrendra Budhoo.
His innings contained four boundaries and he spent 127 minutes at the crease before he was ninth out.
Earlier, Demerara, who won the toss and batted, got off to a sound start as their opening pair of captain Bhaskar Yadram and Joshua Persaud added 41 runs in 9.2 overs before Yadram was removed by all-rounder Kris Ramnarine for 24.
But Alphius Bookie continued his fine batting being unbeaten on 64 from 92 balls in Demerara’s first innings.
Nedd known more for his bowling ability scored 34 runs off 36 balls with four boundaries.
Batting a second time Demerara reached 102-6 off 28 overs in their second innings for an overall lead of 196.
Persaud made 32 from 27 deliveries with four boundaries and a maximum while Bookie was run out for 10, the first time he has been dismissed in the tournament.
Yadram made 40 before he was caught off the bowling of Seon Glasgow an innings which included five boundaries.
Karim was Berbice most successful bowler in Demerara’s second innings, ending with figures of 2-9.
Across at the DCC ground, the President’s XI won the toss and batted and reached 187-4 in 43 overs, with Christopher Campbell making an unbeaten 106 (12×4, 1×6) to follow up his half century made in the first round against Demerara. Campbell received support from Anil Singh (21), the duo adding 99 runs for the second wicket.
In reply Essequibo was bowled out for 115 in 37.4 overs with Orlando Jailall and Trevor Collins the principal scorers with 22 and 21 respectively. Stevon Wilson with figures of 4-15 and Junior Phillips 2-42 led the bowling for the President’s XI.
In their second innings, President XI ended the day’s play on 74-1 in 23 overs with Mark Ramsammy and Campbell both unbeaten on 25.
