… Batson sees Rose Hall to another victory
MEMOREX Bermine registered an easy victory over Skeldon Community Centre in their final preliminary match to assure themselves of their place in the semi-finals of the 2011 Berbice Cricket Board-organised, Tenelec Inc.-sponsored first division, 50-over cricket competition in Berbice along with the frontrunners Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets and Albion Community Centre.
Memorex Bermine ended with twelve points to tie with Albion Community Centre who hold the advantage between the two, having won the head-to-head encounter when they met earlier in the tournament. Meanwhile Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets, led by a fine all-round performance from former Berbice batsman Renwick Batson (3-22, 62*) registered their eight consecutive victory to run far ahead of the pack with 16 points and one match in hand.  In summarised scores from the two matches played; At Edinburgh, Memorex Bermine beat Skeldon Community Centre by 7 wickets in a match that was reduced to 45 overs a side due to the late arrival of Skeldon who were asked to take first strike after losing the toss. Skeldon were bowled out for 137 in 34.4 overs, with former Berbice Under-19 cricketer Junior Blair top-scoring with 31 and Gary Phillips 30, against the bowling of national Under-19 all-rounder Joemal La Fleur who took 3 for 20 with his off-spin. Former Berbice Under-19 cricketer Julian Moore took 4 for 21 with his medium pacers and Steven Latcha 2 for 22 for Memorex Bermine, who replied with 138 for 3 in 34 overs, with Keion De Jesus 46, La Fleur 36 and Treon Henry 25, leading them to victory while Sherwin Murray took 2 for 56 for Skeldon.
At the Area ‘H’ ground, Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets defeated Edinburgh by seven wickets in their encounter.
Winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Edinburgh were bowled out for 125 in 36 overs with former Berbice Under-15 player Denny David making 24 against the bowling of Batson and national Under-19 off-spinner Loyydel Lewis who took 3 for 19 from 5.2 overs. In reply, the home team reached 126 for 3 in 14.1 overs with Batson receiving support from former national wicketkeeper/batsman Delbert Hicks who made an unbeaten 26 and national t20 selectee Rajiv Ivan 22, while Derrick Cadogan took 2 for 25 for Edinburgh.
Meanwhile, the last preliminary match in the competition between Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets and Port Mourant Karibee Rice who have nine points, is scheduled for Saturday at the Port Mourant ground, with the home team hoping to create an upset to advance to the semifinals ahead of Universal DVD Young Warriors who have 10 points.