By Faizool Deo

A MAIDEN century by 15-year-old Rahul Singh and an equally impressive half-century from his 13-year-old skipper Zachary Jodah, propelled the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) to a whopping 260-run win over Bel Air RUBiS in the opener of the GCA/Friends of Cricket Under-17 (100 overs Tournament.

Although it was the Singh and Jodah show early yesterday morning, GCC were able to demonstrate their all-round capabilities later in the day by knocking over their opponents within 20 overs for a meagre score of 72.

Batting first, after winning the toss, GCC looked in control at home, especially with West Indies U-15 player Mavindra Dindyal smashing the ball to all parts of the ground; but the game could have gone in either direction when the opener fell for a quick 43 runs (8×4) and number three batsman Ravaldo Phillips followed for eight.

Singh and new batsman Jodah, however, extinguished any hope that the visitors had with some smart cricket. The pair batted well together by running short singles and playing each shot on its merits.

Although Singh’s innings was not chanceless, it was well executed. In total, the Valmiki Vidyalaya High School student spanked six fours and three sixes in his score of 119 runs – his highest score to date in any form of cricket.

Medium pacer Omari Lallbachan ended the partnership when he bowled Singh with a slower ball, but the damage was already done. Jodah and the century-maker had tallied a whopping 165-run third-wicket partnership and had carried the score from 93 to 258.

Jodah lost his wicket later in the innings and finished with 73 runs (3×4), while Arayan Persaud added 33. GCC reached 332-6 (inclusive of 10 additional runs due to a fielding infraction), by the end of their 55th overs.

RUBiS looked a defeated team from ball one in their chase. Thirteen year-old medium pacer Thaddeus Lovell did the damage early, while left- arm spinner Persaud, who flighted the ball well, cleaned up after. The pair combined for seven wickets, with Persaud finishing as the pick of the bowlers with four wickets for three runs from 4.1 overs.  Lovell took three wickets for 21 runs from five overs.

Although the home team fielders supported their bowlers well, Dindyal stood out at midwicket as he took a diving catch and orchestrated a run-out.

Mark Sukhai led RUBiS’ attack with 16 runs before his team folded in 19.1 overs.

Please note: According to the competition rule, the team batting first can use up to 55 overs if they are not bowled out, which would leave 45 overs for the team batting second. However if the first team is bowled out before 55 overs, the team batting after will get 55 overs.