A MAN-of-the match performance from Berbice all- rounder Terrence Madramootoo (61* and 2-26), who was playing in his final Under-19 game, led Rose Hall Town Pepsi to a nail biting two -wickets victory over Scottsburg United hence enabling them to lift their second consecutive Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Spready’s Bakery Under-19 title at the Area ‘H’ ground.

Madramootoo struck seven fours and four sixes in his unbeaten knock, as RHT Pepsi who needed to score 161 for victory and were reeling at 100-8, reached 166-8 from 39 overs, after bowling out Scottsburg United for 160 from 46 of their 47 overs after the match was reduced because of early morning rain.    

Earlier in the day, Scottsburg electing to bat first after winning the toss, found themselves in trouble at 12-3 in the fifth over.

Off-spinner Mark Fernandes opening the bowling had opener Mark Lionel adjudged lbw for three in the second over before Madramootoo bowled Ryan Ramdass (03) and had national Under-19 batsman Alex Amsterdam caught behind driving for two.

Trevor Thomas and national Under-19 captain Anthony Bramble survived some testing bowling to lead a recovery, as they added 92 for the fourth wicket, before Bramble was caught off national Under-15 player Dominic Rickey for a well played 61 (6×4; 1×6) at 104-4 in the 32nd over.

Tony Ramsarran was then bowled by Rickey for 4 at 118 for 5 and the remaining batsmen apart from Thomas struggled against the spin based attack, as Scottsburg were dismissed for 160 in the 46th over, with Thomas being the last wicket to fall for a patient 44 (2×4).

Bowling for Rose Hall Town Pepsi, Ricky took 2-25, Madramootoo 2-26, Shawn Pereira 2-29 and Lloydel Lewis 2-38.

When Rose Hall Town Pepsi began their reply, they were placed on the back foot by medium pacer Marvin Harvey who removed both openers to leave them on 14-2 in the fifth over, before skipper Eon Hooper (33, 3×4; 2×6) and number three batsman Leon Crawford (06) added 31 from six overs, before Harvey struck again when he bowled Crawford for 6.

Hooper was then caught brilliantly at cover by Harvey off offspinner Alex Amsterdam to leave his team dangerously placed at 58-4 in the 16th over and Scottsburg sensing victory, kept the pressure up as Lewis (12), Nelroy Hicks (07), Lionel Lewis (02) and Simon Lawson (08) were all dismissed cheaply to leave the home team at 100-8.

The experienced Madramootoo who has represented Berbice at the Under-15, 17 and 19 levels attacked the Scottsburg bowlers with success and in partnership with the level headed 13 year old Perreira took the fight against the visitors.

He ended the match with a massive six off leg spinner N. Yacoob, as they added 66 valuable runs from 11 for their team to see them to victory, even as Harvey ended with 4-43 from his 10 overs and Ramdass 2-38.

Public Relations Officer of the BCB Hilbert Foster speaking at the presentation ceremony which was held shortly after praised both teams for the high class finals and for providing the large crowd with a good game.

He expressed profound gratitude to the sponsor, Spready’s Bakery for their continued investment into Berbice cricket and stated that the investment was producing the goods as Berbice are the Inter-County Under-19 champions.

Third vice-president of the BCB Mark Lyte expressed his satisfaction at the high standard of cricket played and called on the young cricketers to always be disciplined, committed and focused, while Nazimul Fudadin representing the sponsors hailed the smooth running of the tournament and congratulated Rose Hall Town Pepsi for lifting the cup.

He also encouraged Scottsburg to be proud of being the losing finalist and stated that the sponsors were satisfied with the administration of Berbice Cricket and further stated that sponsorship of the tournament in 2010 is secured.

Madramootoo received $5 000.00 for his man- of –the- match efforts, Rose Hall Town Pepsi $30,000. and the Spready’s Bakery Trophy, while the runner up team collected $15, 000.