A clinical display by national Under-15 all-rounder, Sheldon Charles, led Anna Regina Secondary ‘A’ into the semi-final after they defeated Cotton Field Secondary by 51 runs in a low-scoring encounter on Saturday at the Number 1 ground at Affiance on the Essequibo Coast.

It was the final round of the Ramballi/Mahadeo Foundation inter-secondary school Under-17 competition where the Region’s seven secondary schools participated. The game was of academic interest, however, as both teams have already qualified for the play-offs. Anna Regina Secondary ‘A’ though has played unbeaten and topped their group.
After losing the toss, Anna Regina Secondary ‘A’ was asked to bat on a placid pitch.
A flurry of boundaries by Sheldon Charles early on was followed by a dramatic collapse. His rapid 22 (4×4) eventually was the top-score; with his departure in the 4th over triggering the slide as Azzizi Christiani with 15 (2×4) was the only other batsman to reach double figures.

Off-spinner Abdul Nadir bowled superbly to claim 3-14 from 6 overs and was equally supported by Shazif Mohamed’s 3-19 from his 6 overs, also bowling off-spin.
Anna Regina ‘A’ eventually was all out for 106 from 23 overs in the 30-overs affair. When Cotton Field Secondary took to the crease, they were undermined by the pace of Charles, whose devastating spell of fast-bowling was almost unplayable.

Charles eventually grabbed 5-11 from 6 overs to rout Cotton Field Secondary for 55 in 17 overs. Only Cassius Smith’s 15 (2×4) batted with some assurance. The semi-finals will now have Anna Regina Secondary ‘A’ challenging Aurora Secondary at the Imam Bacchus ground, while Cotton Field Secondary will battle against Anna Regina Secondary ‘B’ at the Number 1 ground. Both matches will be held on Saturday, January 19th, commencing from 10:00 hrs.