Ramnauth (90), Thorne (73) powers B’ce to title

By Sean Devers
WATCHED by the largest crowd of the tournament, a 98-run partnership between Rampertab Ramnauth and All-rounder Isiah Thorne powered defending Champions Berbice to a convincing 11-run victory over the GCB Select X1 yesterday in the final round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Government of Guyana (GOG) and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) 50-over U-19 Tournament.

The left-handed Ramnauth stocked a magnificent 90 from 79 balls decorated with nine fours and three sixes and shared in a 98-run third wicket stand with Thorne whose explosive 73 from just 29 balls with five fours and five sixes spearheaded Berbice to 208-3 off a reduced 26 overs due to a late start and a few stoppages due to rain during the course of the game.

Ramnauth and Tomani Ceaser (12) carried the score to 49 before Ceaser departed while another partnership was building between Ramnauth, who played an array of scintillating shots and Mahendra Gopilall (9) when the latter fell at 88-2.

Man-of-the-Match Thorne joined Ramnauth and slayed the hapless bowlers to all parts the large Enmore sward in a brutal onslaught to the delight of the crowd which included fans in a vehicle which blared pulsating music all day.

The stand was eventually broken when Ramnauth, with 10 short of the only century in the tournament, was dismissed at 186-3 but Thorne kept going and it was raining sixes as Rampersaud (5) played the role of silent partner as the 200 was posted.

The Select X1 reached 91-6 off their allotted overs as only Marlon Ramsurace who hit one four in 24 and Nityanand Mathura with 20 reached 20 for the Select X1.

Ramnauth with scores of 41, 29 & 90 (160) finished with the most runs in the tournament while Rampersaud with 11 wickets topped wicket takers list.

The three-day format which starts tomorrow, will be played at Bourda and Everest.