– Van Lange, Persaud lead the way

By Michelangelo Jacobus

THE Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) survived an early innings wobble to eventually claim an emphatic six-wicket win over Transport Sports Club (TSC) in yesterday’s Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/Toucan Distributors U-15 50-over final.

Playing at their home ground (DCC), local boy Jonathan Van Lange steered his side home with a patient but well composed 41 not out while his teammate, Akash Persaud, stood firm at the other, also ending unbeaten on 29 to ensure that their side successfully chased down TSC’s 128 in just 35.4 overs.

TSC who were earlier sent in to bat mustered 128-8 in their allotted 50 overs with national player, Shemar Yearwood, holding the innings together with 68 (4×5 and 6×1). He was backed up by Jonathan Adams (14) and Fidel Colins (09). Yearwood and Adams combined for their side’s highest partnership of 39 for the fifth wicket.

Meanwhile DCC’s bowling was led by right-arm quick Myhien Khan with 2-9 while Shivkumar Permaul (1-6) and Ezekiel Wilson (1-16) were the other two outstanding bowlers.

In their chase, DCC had some early hiccups at the top of the order with TSC’s Alvin Mohabir (2-15) and his brother, Dave (1-30) causing some trouble with their spin bowling.

When Persaud joined Van Lange the score was 43-4 and their side looked to be in trouble; however Persaud came out looking to take the attack to the opposition bowling and survived some early LBW shouts. He, however, held his nerve along with Van Lange and together they grinded out a gritty but determined partnership to safely see their side home in the 36th over. TSC also gifted their opponents a whopping 31 in extras (24w, 5nb and 2b).

At the closing ceremony, GCA President Roger Harper thanked the sponsors, players and parents for ensuring that the tourney was a success.

Andrew King, CEO of Toucan Industries said that his company will continue to support the event next year, adding that sports is integral and as such players should continue playing and embracing cricket.

Avinash Persaud of Everest and Arian Persaud of the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) swept the majority of awards for runs, wickets and exceptional fielding throughout the competition.