FRIENDSHIP Secondary were crowned East Bank Demerara zone champions after they defeated Diamond Secondary in a tense, low-scoring final which was played at the Everest ground yesterday, as the 2016 edition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) continues.Diamond won the toss and elected to take first strike, but they could manage only 81 all out in 22.3 overs.
Mavendra Dindyal top-scored with 14, which was his first lowest score of the competition. Romario Persaud was the only other batsmam to reach double figures, contributing 13. Shem Zaman wrecked the Diamond batsmen as he took 4/14, skipper Orlando Ghisiawan had 2/9 and Jonathan Jagdeo claimed 2/15 bowling for Friendship.
Friendship started shakily when they lost their first five wickets for 33 runs. However, Shem Zaman and Shawn Harry took the score to 81 before Zaman was dismissed for 33.
Two further wickets fell on the same score as a revived Diamond Secondary hopes of a tie grew stronger.
Shawn Harry’s lucky inside edge down to fine leg for a single sent the Friendship team into a frenzy after pulling off a tense chase. Harry finished on 19 not out. Bowling for Diamond Secondary, Anil Singh took 3/24, while Mavendra Dindyal had 2/20.
The winning zone final trophy was presented to Friendship Secondary by GCB representative Anthony D’Andrade after the match.
The NSSCL will continue Tuesday,November 1, 2016, with defending champions Chase Academy playing Christ Church Secondary at the GCC ground , Bourda, from 10:30 hrs.