… Chanderpaul, Hiralal slam centuries

GEORGETOWN Bears, Upper East Coast Tigers, West Demerara Mavericks and Lower East Bank Lions were victorious in the opening round of the DCB/RSI Over-40 T20 competition played last Friday across Demerara. Bears captain Surendra Hiralal lit up the small DCC ground with a flurry of shots in a match-winning unbeaten century (101), decorated with ten boundaries and four handsome sixes.
Also enjoying the party was Ron Ramnauth, who hammered a quick 57, which included ten fours.
Bears finished on 220-3 off their 20 overs. Radesh Persaud had some success with the ball, capturing 2-25 off three overs.
In reply, West Coast Demerara Seals lost early wickets and eventually folded for 171 in the 16th over. M. Saffee gave his team hope towards the end with a blistering 72 (7×6, 6×4). Mark Ferreira (2-9), Claudius Gibson (2-18) and Ramnauth (2-19) were the leading bowlers.
At Lusignan ground, the match started late and was reduced to 16 overs per side. Lions took first strike and cricket superstar Shivnarine Chanderpaul banged 141 to see his team to 207-1.
Also among the runs was Sahadeo Hardaiow with 54.
Lower East Coast Bulls managed 141-4 when their overs expired. Arthur Duke top-scored with 60, while Nirmaldeo Sarwan contributed 32.
At Farm ground, West Demerara Mavericks humbled Upper East Bank Colts by seven wickets. Colts made 114-6 in their allotted overs. Captain Rohan Sarjoo hit an unbeaten 45, while Ganesh Persaud grabbed 2-17.
Mavericks reached the target in 11.4 overs with Sham Persaud and Eon Williams scoring 48 not out and 37 respectively. Colts best bowler was David Mohamed with 2-8.
Tigers cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Georgetown Buffaloes at the Enterprise ground.
The visitors batted first and reached 148-5 with Lenny Massiah and Steven Alves leading the way with 34 and 24 respectively. Bowling for Tigers, Chatterpaul Singh and Basheer Khan accounted for two wickets each.
Tigers took only 14.4 overs to knock off the required runs. Latchman Yadram (53*) and Mustaq Shah (51) were the main scorers.
The competition continues on Friday. Colts clash with Buffaloes at Everest ground, Tigers meet Seals at Wales ground, Bears take on Bulls at Ogle ground, and Lions square off with Mavericks at Farm ground.