ESSEQUIBO Under-17 female team won the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Franchise league Under-17 T-20 tournament after producing a dominant performance over their opponents.

While the tournament was hampered by a few hiccups, where standard umpiring was the key issue, Essequibo, under the guidance of head coach Ryan Hercules and Forbes Daniels, defied all the odds to be crowned champions.

Essequibo tied with Lower Corentyne on 30 points, but Essequibo were crowned champions because they won their match against Lower Corentyne.

In yesterday’s encounter, Essequibo defeated West Berbice by 17 runs at Wales, WCD. Essequibo won the toss and batted first, scoring 106-4 in 15 overs. Anisa D’Aguair top scored with 18 not out. Bowling for West Berbice, Marisa Telford collected 2-19.

West Berbice in reply made 89-7 in 15 overs, with Tia Issacs (21) and Tiernicia Solomon (11). Bowling for Essequibo, Divine Ross picked up 3-19.

Over at Wales, West Demerara won the toss and mustered 140-5 in 20 overs.

Jamaica Simon hit an unbeaten 29 while Africa Gentle collected 3-23 and Hemwanttie Mohabir 1-30.

In reply, Africa Gentle hit 56 in a losing effort. West Demerara failed to reach their target and fell short by two runs, scoring 139-7 from their allotted 20 overs.

 Simon was the most destructive bowler, grabbing 3-23 while she gained support from Ariana Buckan, Rebika Renee and Vauni Pitamber, who took one wicket apiece.

In the game between Lower Corentyne and Georgetown over at Enterprise, Lower Corentyne won the toss and batted first. They scored 176-4 in 20 overs. Shana Simon top scored with 32, while Niveena Rannauth supported with 25.

Bowling for Georgetown, Emalissa Whyte picked up 3-35 while Alisa Brandon supported with one wicket. Georgetown were then restricted to 20-8 in seven overs. Niveena Ramnauth ripped through the batting line up with 5-8 and Anisa Samaroo supported with 3-11.

East Coast, winning the toss and batting, made 163-3 in their 20 overs. Shemika Edwards scored an unbeaten 51 while Sarah Amin was also not out on 14.

Upper Corentyne in reply struggled to reach their total, scoring 101-8 in 20 overs. Shaina Farzer top scored with 11.