ESSEQUIBO Islands Secondary School held their nerves to clinch a four-wicket win over Parika Salem, when play in the Guyana Cricket Board/Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/National Sport Commission/National Secondary School Cricket League continued.

Played at the Tuschen ground on the East Bank of Essequibo, hosts Parika Salem opted to take first strike but were made to work hard for their runs, due to the excellent bowling and fielding by the Essequibo Islands players.

In the end, Parika Salem crumbled to 76 all out from 22 of their allotted 30 overs. Wazim Mohamed 19 and Travis Christian 19 were the main contributors. Bowling for Essequibo Islands, left-arm spinner Ryan Atkinson grabbed 5-12, while Henry Gladwane Jr took 3-11.
In reply, the touring team, Essequibo Islands labored to achieve the meagre target, reaching 79-6, as their calm and watchful batting approach was slightly affected by the loss of key wickets at vital periods.

Ryan Atkinson was the highest run-scorer for his team with 14. Bowling for Parika Salem, Shivraj Mohabir took 2-16, while there was one wicket each for Wazim Mohamed, Travis Christian, and Orlando Adulphus.

Essequibo Islands will now face the winners of the Essequibo Coast contest in the Essequibo County District final, on Friday, May 18.