Simpson, De Souza crack centuries in the latest round of GCA second-division 

Shawn De Souza after cracking his unbeaten ton for GNIC 
Shawn De Souza after cracking his unbeaten ton for GNIC 

Nigel Simpson and Shawn De Souza highlighted the latest round of the Noble House Seafoods second-division, two – day competition yesterday by cracking centuries for Diplomats and GNIC respectively.  

Simpson stroked 106 in his side’s first innings score of 289-9 declared against the Transport Sports Club (TSC).  

He got valued support from Ronaldo Gibson (52) and Radon Gill (50) who both recorded half-centuries while Joel Spooner (4-69) and Kevin Ross (2-32) ended as the pick of the bowlers for Transport. 

Off-spinner Darius Andrews continues to make his mark (Royston Alkins photo) 

However, Transport in their first innings reply surrendered a 158-run lead after they were dismissed for 131 inside 26 overs. Devon Nandan (27) and Adrian Hinds (20) failed to convert starts as Andrew Forrester (3-43) and Mortimer King (3-25) shared six wickets between them.

Over at GNIC, the host racked up 293 – 3 declared against the Malteenose Sports Club (MSC). The elegant left-hander Shawn De Souza led the way with his second century this season, cracking 17 fours in an unbeaten knock of 137 while Jason George (71) missed out on recording a ton.  

MSC at the close were trailing by 200 runs for the loss of three wickets. 

Meanwhile, over at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), the host was locked in battle against Everest who posted 225 before being dismissed. Mathew Nandan made (51) spearheading  the innings while Aaron Behary (48) and Balgobin Ushardwa (37) missed out on half-centuries. Skipper Xafiee Smith nabbed 4 – 56 to lead his side’s efforts with the ball while receiving support from Ricardo Percival (2-25) and Daniel Mootoo (2 – 46).  

Skipper Xafiee Smith missed out on a five-for for DCC (Royston Alkins photo)

DCC ended the day on 109 for 2 from 27 overs, trailing by 116. Eziekiel Wilson made 48 while Alphius Bookie is unbeaten on 38 and with him is Jamal Dillion who is yet to score.  

The Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) also enjoyed day-one success against host the Muslim Youth Organisation. Led by a fine spell of bowling by emerging off-spinner Darius Andrews, GCC routed MYO for 114 as Andrews nabbed 7-34 while Gavin Singh collected 3-42 for GCC who ended the day on 225 – 7, earning a lead of 111 runs. Deonarine Seegobin (62) and Singh (59) cracked half-centuries while Ravildo Phillips made 48. 

 Day two continues today from 11:00hrs.