JOEL Spooner returned with a match-haul of 11 wickets to give Demerara a thumping nine-wicket win over Essequibo in round one of the Hand-in-Hand Under-19 Inter-county three-day encounter yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground.
The off-spinner, who was adjudged Man-of-the-Match, had claimed 5-10 in the first innings, grabbed 6-54 in the second to finish with a match-haul of 11-64, as Essequibo, after resuming the final day on 155-9, added just one run before they were bowled out.
Fellow off-spinner Pradesh Ballkishun took the final wicket of Mervyn Benjamin, to finish with figures of 4-22 off 10.1 overs.
Scores in the match: Essequibo 75 and 156; Demerara 207 and 25-1.
Set 24 for victory, Demerara lost Adrian Hinds leg-before-wicket to off-spinner Amit Persaud for two, but Robin Williams, who struck four fours in his unbeaten 18, and Sachin Singh (5 not out), sealed the formality in just 4.3 overs.
After the game, Spooner told Chronicle Sport that he was very pleased with his performance, adding that it’s always nice to contribute to the team.
Coach Latchman Yadram expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, adding that his players played some good cricket.
He, however, reminded his boys not to be over-confident or complacent as the tournament progresses.
Meanwhile, the second round bowls off tomorrow with Demerara playing the Select Under-17 team at GCC while Berbice, the defending champions, come up against Essequibo at Lusignan.
This year’s tournament is run by Cricket Guyana Inc. who is tasked with handling the logistical and financial responsibilities.
