Deonarain, Campbell key to Georgetown title hopes

-looking to bring glory to Demerara

(l-r) Dynamic openers, Jayden Campbell and Romeo Deonarain after sharing an unbroken 80-run partnership that saw Georgetown winning the DCB Inter-Association U15 tournament
(l-r) Dynamic openers, Jayden Campbell and Romeo Deonarain after sharing an unbroken 80-run partnership that saw Georgetown winning the DCB Inter-Association U15 tournament

For any team, a solid start to an innings is often what is needed to set the momentum of a match and that is exactly what Romeo Deonarain and Jayden Campbell have been doing for Georgetown in their successful campaign during the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Inter-Association Under-15 tournament last week.

The pair had two half century partnerships, 58 against West Demerara and an unbroken 80-run stand against East Bank Demerara to help their team take the title.

They also shared a 39-run partnership against East Coast, earning them places on the Demerara Inter-County U15 side.

Deonarain, in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sports, said he was very proud of the partnerships the two put on but this was nothing new since they have always done so consistently for their club, Demerara Cricket Club.

Campbell, 13, has showcased a wide array of shot selection, notching up scores of 35 not out, 27 and 29 while Deonarain worked the ball around the ground to return scores of 17 not out, 10 and 26 not out.  The opening pair has both been playing their club cricket at the Alberttown-based Club and credited coach, Garvin `Tibbsy’ Nedd for his contributions towards their development, noting that he makes it easier on them to develop their trade.

Deonarain, 12, a student of Marian Academy, indicated that he has been working on his fitness a lot since taking a break from the game for a short time. 

Deonarain has also been active in the Ancient County where he turned out for Blairmont Cricket Club.

The right handed batsman praised his father whom he credits as teaching him the fundamentals of the game and who is responsible for his affiliation to his club which he joined when he was just five years old.

The youthful top order batsman said he enjoys batting with Campbell and after a year of opening together, the pair have developed a trust in each other.

“We both know how we bat, running between the wickets, going aggressively or just taking it slow.”

When the duo turn out for Demerara, they both have noted that the main intention is to first win the title for their county and  also set their sights on national selection with the hopes of winning the Regional title and earning themselves spots on the West Indies youth team.