NATIONAL Under-15 batsman Sheldon Charles will lead Essequibo in this year’s Inter-County tournament scheduled to be held in Georgetown from March 14.The squad was selected after the Essequibo Cricket Board held two trial matches at the Imam Bacchus Sports Complex ground in Affiance.
In the first match, Charles’ XI defeated Ronaldo Scouten’s XI by 64 runs. Batting first, Charles’ XI amassed 180-8 in 50 overs as Charles enhanced his growing reputation with a commanding and unbeaten 102 (14×4, 3×6). Off-Spinner Devindra Ramdahin captured 3-21 from 5 overs while Imzamam Bacchus had 2-5 from 3 overs bowling for Scouten’s XI.
In reply, Scouten’s XI was all out for 116 in 45 overs with Scouten top-scoring with 22. Impressive figures of 4-12 from nine overs from Manoj Dasrat ensured his team’s ascendancy.
Meanwhile, another masterful innings of 149 decorated with 23 fours by Charles proved the main highlight in the second trial match. His fluent composed innings was followed by Wazim Mohamed’s 34 and Mark Mohabir’s 32 in the total of 286 in 50 overs.
In reply, Scouten’s XI was demolished for 86 after a hostile spell of fast bowling from Raphael David who claimed 4-14 from 5 overs. He also received clinical support from Manoj Dasrat with 3-18 from 7 overs.
The Essequibo Under-15 squad reads:- Sheldon Charles (captain), Devindra Ramdahin, Oren Gibson, Ronaldo Scouten, Raphael David, Manoj Dasrat, Chaitram Seurattan, Wazim Mohamed, Ardesh Ramdial, Mark Mohabir, Sunil Persaud, Inzamam Bacchus, Shawn Munroe and Tyron Brandon. The manager is Vickram Ramnarine with Forbes Daniels serving as coach. (Elroy Stephney)