Police ended day one of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) GISE/Star Party Rental/Trophy Stall two-day First Division competition in a precarious position at 44-4, still trailing the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) by 217 at stumps at DCC, yesterday.
The day, however, belonged to West Indies under – 19 wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Persaud, who blasted his maiden first division century to rescue his side from being bundled out cheaply.
It was historic that his first match for the Queenstown Club saw him hammering nine fours and 15 sixes in his unbeaten knock of 150, which propelled his side to 261-7, declared.
DCC had earlier found themselves staring down the barrel at 32-5 after winning the toss and electing to bat.
Tevin Imlach (9) was trapped in front by seamer Stephen Harris, while Trevon Griffith (6) also departed similarly, only this time to Raun Johnson to leave the score at 22-2.
It looked even grimmer for the star-studded lineup when skipper Christopher Barnwell (1), Raymon Perez (0) and Sherfane Rutherford (7) all departed in quick succession to leave the side reeling at 32-5.
It was from thereon that the Persaud show began, as he played a number of delightful shots and had a bit of fortune along the way.
He also featured in three tail-end partnerships with Sachin Singh (28), Steven Sankar (36) and Sagar Hathiramani (36*).
Police’s bowling was led by Harris, who was the main architect responsible for DCC’s dismal start, as he ended with 4-54, while Johnson supported with 2-60. Police, meanwhile, had little answer for Ashmead Nedd’s 2-16 as they ended the day trailing by 217, after being reduced to 44-4.
Over at the Everest Cricket Club ground, the hosts ended the day on 195 -9 after being inserted by Malteenoes.
Middle-order batsman Ronaldo Rene led the way with 59, which included five fours and two sixes, while first-class opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul batted solidly for 47, inclusive of two fours.
Gudakesh Moti also chipped in with 22 as the Everest’s powerful batting lineup, which includes Rajendra Chandrika (12), Bhaskar Yadram (8) and skipper Akshaya Persaud(7) all failed to get going.
The Thomas Land Club’s bowling saw off-spinner Marcus Watkins leading the way with three late wickets (3-20) as skipper Kellon Carmichael (3-38), and Rawl Merell (2-58) led the way with early strikes.
