… Fifties for Imlach, Johnson, Rutherford, Persaud, Sampson

WEST Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd had a fine all-round performance in the second and final practice match for the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE), played under lights yesterday at Providence.

Shepherd continued where he left off in the recently concluded Senior Inter-county 50 overs tournament in which he was named MVP. He struck an explosive 61 not out off just 20 balls then returned with the ball to claim 4-7 as Johnson’s XI made light work of Permaul ‘s XI.

Batting first, Johnson’s XI were led by half-centuries from Tevin Imlach who top-scored with 80 (95 balls) while GHE captain Leon Johnson stroked 56 (78 balls) and Rutherford smashed 53 (34 balls) as their team amassed 336-6 off 50 overs.

Bowling for Permaul’s XI, Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) off-spinner Junior Sinclair had figures of 2-63 and GHE reserve pacer Shamar Joseph took 2-77.

Shepherd returned with the ball to rock Permaul’s XI batting line-up as they were dismissed for 160 off 30.4 overs. GHE reserve Askaya Persaud made an unbeaten 65 off 79 balls while newcomer Quentin Sampson smashed 55 off 27 balls with 6 sixes. GHE vice-captain Veerasammy Permaul took 3-39 and West Indies off-spinner Kevin Sinclair had 2-44, bowling for Johnson’s XI.

The GHE team departs Guyana today for the CG Insurance Regional Super50. GHE will play their first match against Windwards Volcanoes at the Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad on Monday.
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