By Clifton Ross

IN the end, a magical 4-wicket spell from Sanjay Algoo helped Berbice pull off a daring 2-wicket heist to dethrone Demerara and win the 2020 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Dave’s West Indian Imports Under-15 Inter-county Tournament.

The final match played at Bourda was a brave effort from the defending champs Demerara, who fought down to the wire in a low-scoring thriller. Berbice, who were unbeaten through the 3 rounds, ended the competition with an unblemished record and the crown.

Demerara were kept to a paltry 83 all out in 35.5 overs, thanks to Algoo who ripped through the attack to bag 4-9. In reply, Berbice had a number of hiccups and close calls but held their nerves, thanks to the bravery of Salim Khan, who stoked 22 and departed with just two runs needed. He had helped to pace the run-chase perfectly.

The chase commenced with some good strokes from the in-form skipper Rampertab Ramnauth (17) who hit three fours before Wayvell Allen (1-22) made a mess of his stumps.

Spinner Hemraj Harriprashad (2-14) landed two huge blows when he removed the other opener Zadeem Larose (4) and Avishkar Persaud (1). More wickets tumbled when all-rounder Josh Alves (2-8), fresh off a 6-for, bagged two wickets – Kevin Kristen (13) and Nyron Hicks who was out caught for duck.

With most of their top guns misfiring, Berbice found themselves staring at the possibility of their first loss. But the heart of the off-spinner Khan, who picked up the slack, played an innings of bravery as he and Cecil found the occasional boundary to go along with their singles.

With 2 more needed, Khan mistimed a shot and was out, caught for the team’s top score. More drama unfolded when Cecil feathered an edge to the keeper off Sachin Balgobin’s bowling (2-10).

With scores level and the last pair at the crease with the score 82-8, Matthew Pottaya smashed one through the midwicket boundary to seal a tense, yet brilliant end to the final.

Batting first in front of a big Bourda crowd probably gave Demerara the jitters, as they were mesmerised by the opposition bowlers for most of the innings.

Man-of-the-match Algoo, was spot on during his 4-wicket spell, capping off his performance with the wicket of Demerara vice-captain Nityanand Matura, who was bowled for a painstaking 17 off 69 deliveries.

Shiv Harripersaud continued to have a good tourney by snatching up an additional 2-15 as Berbice ran through the opening innings.

Following the match, sponsor Dave Narine thanked GCB and the players for making the tourney a huge success for the young players. He said that he was overwhelmed to see the level of cricket this year, adding that he was also pleased to see all the players put forward their best games.