… Malteenoes beaten by 48 runs; Cush’s good display fails to save MSC
NARSINGH Deonarine stroked a classy 92 to set up an easy 48-run victory for Albion Community Centre against Malteenoes in their semi-final of the 2009 Neal and Massy National First Division Cricket Competition played yesterday at the Albion Community Centre ground.

The left-handed Deonarine, who played four Tests and five One-Day Internationals for the West Indies, hit eight fours in a wonderful display of batsmanship to ensure Albion reached a challenging 203 all out in 39.4 of their allotted 40 overs after they were precariously pace at 46 for four at one stage.

Off-spinner Orvin Mangru with three for 35 then conspired with leg-spinners Davendra Bishoo and Sewnarine Chattergoon to dismiss Malteenoes for 155 in 37.1 overs.

Albion’s win has now ensured an all-Berbice day/night final on October 18, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, since Rose Hall Town Windies Sports Bar (RHTWSB) also overpowered underdogs North Essequibo in the other semi-final.

Only Dion Ferrier with a composed (55), a knock spiced with three fours and a six, and former Guyana all-rounder Lennox Cush (44) were the only Malteenoes batsmen to show some fight against the Albion spinners on a good batting track.

The pair featured in a fine third-wicket stand of 68 after joining forces in the third over with the Demerara Zone champions struggling on 16 for two in the third over.

Mixing solid defence with timely aggregation, Ferrier and Cush kept Malteenoes in the hunt by carrying the score 84 in the 21st over, but a splendid catch by Jonathan Foo at long on to see the back of Cush ensured that there was no turning back for the home team as thereafter wickets tumbled at regular intervals.

Apart from Mangru, Bishoo had two 26 and Chattergoon two for 31, while there was also a wicket each for medium pacer Doodnauth Lalbeharry and off-spinner Deonarine, costing 15 and 24 respectively.

Earlier, it was Deonarine and Ranga Lachigadu who save the day for Albion after they were invited to take first strike in sultry conditions and in front of a fair-sized crowd.

With Sewnarine Chattergoon (17), Harrinarine Chattergoon (9), Veerasammy Permaul (0) and Jonathan Foo (2) all back in the pavilion by the 13th over, the men from the capital city were with their tails up but an excellent 107-run fifth-wicket partnership between Deonarine and Ranga Lachigadu (35) saw the Corentyne side recovering nicely.

Steven Jacobs was the pick of the Malieenoes bowlers with four for 29 and was well supported by fellow off-sinners Lennox Cush with two for 22 and Ferrier one for 45.