… Demerara 25-1, replying to Select Under-17s first-innings 90

DESPITE losing both openers, Essequibo negotiated two testing periods to close day one of the opening round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)-sponsored Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company Under-19 three-day cricket tournament against Berbice on 71-2.Only 26.3 overs of play were possible after early morning rain and a wet outfield delayed the start of play until 15:00hrs.
When bad light stopped play at 17:14hrs, both batsmen Keemo Paul and Sachin Persaud displayed admirable application to be unbeaten on 25 and eight respectively. Paul, the West Indies Under-19 all-rounder has so far struck five sweetly timed boundaries.However, Berbice failed to take the advantage of sending Essequibo in to bat in heavily overcast conditions.
Their fast bowlers were not consistent enough upfront to exploit any assistance from the conditions.
Both Mark Williams and Nathan Persaud negotiated the testy conditions to reach 22 without loss when a slight shower chased the players off the playing area after nine overs and 41 minutes of play.
Williams was unbeaten on six, while Persaud was on eight. When play resumed after 34 minutes, Williams was caught at short extra cover, off pacer Sylus Tyndall for six, at 27-1.
Satesh Lachanana joined Persaud, but without the services of medical personnel (physiotherapist), he was forced to retire hurt with a pulled hamstring, on one.
Persaud in company with Paul then took Essequibo to 47 before left-arm spinner Joel Seetram removed Persaud, caught at forward short-leg for a composed 22.
In the other game between Demerara and the Select Under-17 at Wales, Demerara were 25-1, replying to the Select Under-17 first-innings total of 90.
Ronaldo Renee and Sherfane Rutherford are the not-out batsmen on 23 and one respectively. Play in both games resumes at 09:30hrs today. ( Rajiv Bisnauth)