Bramble century, Foo/Hetmyer fifties flatten Demerara by 189-runs

-(Berbice spinners Permaul 3-30, Sinclair 3-42, Motie 2-32)

Berbice opened their account with a massive 189-run win over Demerara, thanks to a sublime century from Anthony Bramble supported by half-centurions Johnathan Foo and Shimron Hetmyer, who dazzled the spectators during yesterday’s opening round.

It was pure batting carnage at the legendary Bourda Ground, as the Berbicians came out with guns blazing, racking up an imposing 363-6 in 44.5 overs, thanks to an all-out assault led by Bramble.

Fast-bowler Ronaldo Alimohamed was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-66 as the Demerara bowlers toiled at home.

Batting at the top of the order, Bramble made the most of the good conditions, smashing 14 fours and 2 sixes, facing 86 balls for his top-score of 106.

One of Guyana’s most experienced 50-Over batsmen, Foo, clobbered 71 off 45 balls upon his return to action for Berbice. Hetmyer, fresh off a decent batting expo at the Hero CPL, stroked 58 while all-rounder Romario Shepherd thumped 40 off 28, wrapping up a T20-like batting approach from the Ancient County Boys.

The Berbice spinners were clinical during their operation, with Versammy Permaul (3-30) and Kevin Sinclair (3-42), Gudakesh Motie (2-32), eating up the majority of Demerara’s wickets, with Skipper Permaul having the honour of taking the last wicket to complete a comprehensive win.

The chase was the opposite to the first innings as Demerara struggled with the 300-plus total, being steamrolled for 184 all out in 29.3 overs.

Captain Leon Johnson was the unsung hero, oozing class for his 51 off just 46 deliveries, helping himself to 7 fours and a one 6, more importantly, finding form ahead of the bigger tournament which lies ahead.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul looked confident during his opening knock, grafting 39 with four fours and a maximum.

Middle-order batsman Akshaya Persaud supported his captain with a brisk knock of 37 clobbering 4 sixes and a four, capping off an ordinary batting outing as not much was done by the others.

The likes of Chandrapaul Hemraj, Chris Barnwell and Tevin Imlach will be keen on making amends in the next game, as a very talented team, they will likely unlock their full potential as the competition progresses.

Berbice opener Rampertab Ramnauth (36) was classy as he lent support to Bramble during his blitz. But when he was dismissed by spinner Steven Sankar, the tempo increased significantly with the arrival of Hetmyer.

The left-hander batted himself into form early, teaming up with Bramble who motored past a half-century as Berbice continued to pile on the runs.

Hetmyer crunched 2 fours and 3 sixes during his stay. After reaching his fifty, a few runs later, the left-hander found himself caught by Johnson off the bowling of Torrington.

Foo then picked up where Hetmyer left off, hammering anything loose, finding the ropes on 5 occasions while 4 sailed over the ropes. The former Guyana T20 batsman then raced to his half-century.

Looking good in his 70s, Foo unfortunately succumbed to disciplined bowling from Alimohamed, giving Johnson another easy catch. Shepherd had some fun as well, smacking 4 huge sixes and a pair of fours during his cameo.

Sinclair then ended the innings for Berbice with a few lusty blows of his own, ending off 15 not out off 6 balls with a four and a maximum, for good measure.

Action continues tomorrow. (Clifton Ross)