Essequibo batsmen struggle again
– lose to Berbice by six wickets
By Rajiv Bisnauth
ESSEQUIBO youth teams have continued on the path of being consistently inconsistent, and this year their Inter-County Under-19 team is no different.
They suffered their second straight loss when they went down to Berbice by six wickets yesterday in round two of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter-County Under-19 One-Day tournament at the LBI ground. The capitulation sums up the gloomy state of affairs that has hovered over Essequibo’s cricket for the past two decades.
Similar to Wednesday’s first game against Demerara, the team again meekly surrendered, and were bowled out for just 96 in 34 overs.
The result means that there will be a winner-take-all title showdown tomorrow between Demerara and Berbice.
In a game reduced to 36 overs aside in order to facilitate Essequibo’s journey back home, opener Sheldon Charles (30), and Lance Roberts (19) were the only two bright sparks.
From a position of 64-7, Roberts hit two fours and a six to share in a 25-run stand for the eighth wicket with Wasim Mohamed, who made ten to prop the total to some respectability.
Berbice pacer Leon Swammy (2-21), made the early breakthrough, but it was the spinners, backed up by some excellent fielding, resulting in three run-outs that stifled the Essequibians.
The impressive left-arm spinner Gourav Ramesh, who was later awarded man-of-the-match, claimed 3-19, and was well supported by fellow left-arm spinner Nigel Deodat (1-14), and off-spinner Jonathan Rampersaud (1-14).
The run chase was relatively an easy one, despite the Ancient team losing four wickets. They eventually reached 98-4 off 30 overs.
Berbice lost opener Shamar Angel without scoring to Nicko Vincent (1-13), before Rampertab Ramnauth (21) and Marvon Prashad (24), combined to extend the chase.
However, the Berbicians lost both Ramnauth and Prashad along with Deodat for six; but Aaron Beharry (19 not out), and Seon Glasgow (21 not out) ensured the victory with ease.
Jason Holder (1-29), Roberts (1-22) and Aryan Persaud (1-10) were the other successful bowlers for Essequibo on a losing cause.
Tomorrow’s final is scheduled for a 09:30hrs start at the same venue.
