ON another shortened day’s play, defending champions, Berbice put themselves in total control of their second round Hand-in-Hand Under-19 Inter-county three-day encounter against Essequibo currently being contested at the Community Centre ground.

When play ended prematurely yesterday, the second day, the Berbicians capatilised on another insipid batting performance by Essequibo, who collapsed for a miserable 62 all out in 27.1 overs to trail by 138 runs on first innings.

Berbice’s attack was spearheaded by 18-year-old left-arm spinner, Kelvin Umroa, who bagged 5-24 off 11.1 overs. Kelvon Anderson and Chris Harry supported with figures of 3-12 and 2-6 respectively.

Orlando Jailall with 18, Kevin Christian (14) and Ellian Whyte (10), were the main scorers in that paltry batting performance.

Resuming on 107-6, Berbice were eventually bowled out for 200 in 76.1 overs with Garfield Benjamin and Nigel Deodat taking their overnight score from 13 and 10 respectively to 50 and 48 respectively.

Benjamin’s 50 came off 145 balls with four fours and a six while Deodat’s innings lasted for 84 balls with four boundaries. Leon Swammy made 12.

However, off-spinners Amit Persaud and Lance Roberts claimed the final four wickets to finish with figures of 6-93 and 4-42 respectively.
Play is scheduled to start at 09:30hrs today.

Berbice, the defending champions, drew their first round game against the Select Under-17 team while Essequibo suffered a humiliating nine-wicket defeat against leaders, Demerara, in their first round encounter.