The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) U-19 Inter-County Super-50 Championship commenced on Saturday with two contrasting victories for Berbice and Demerara in their respective opening matches.
In a low-scoring encounter at the Imam Bacchus Sports Club Ground, Demerara secured a 23-run victory over hosts Essequibo. Demerara posted a modest 96 all out in 24.3 overs after electing to bat. Romeo Deonarain top-scored with 18, supported by Sachin Balgobin and Shiloh Adams, who each contributed 14, while Nityanand Mathura added 11.
Golcharran Chulai was the standout bowler for Essequibo, claiming an impressive 5-18.
Essequibo’s chase never gained momentum, and they were bowled out for 73 in 37.1 overs. Ronaldo Jeffrey led the resistance with 14, and Navindra Sankar chipped in with 11.
Neeran Bani receiving the player of the match trophy from ECB President Deleep Singh
Neeran Bani was exceptional with the ball for Demerara, taking 4-16 from his 10 overs, well supported by Jayden Dowlin’s 3-9.
Meanwhile, at the Eve Leary Sports Club Ground, Berbice registered a commanding 178-run win against the GCB Select XI. Berbice’s total of 214 all out in 48.3 overs was built on a solid team batting display. Matthew Pottaya was the top scorer with a fluent 40 off 44 balls, including three sixes and two fours.
Contributions also came from Rampersaud Ramnauth (23) and Ari Kadir (23) Damion Cecil (20).
Parmeshwar Ram was the pick of the Select XI bowlers with 5-37 from 10 overs, while Dave Mohabir grabbed 2-45.
The GCB Select XI’s reply was brief and disappointing, as they were bundled out for just 36 in 16.4 overs.
Jonathan Mentore’s 13 was the only score in double figures. The Berbice bowling attack proved too potent, with Salim Khan taking 4-15 from eight overs, Matthew Pottaya completing a fine all-round performance with 3-4, and Sanjay Algoo chipping in with 2-16 to seal the comprehensive victory.
The championship continues on Monday with two matches scheduled to start at 09:30h. Demerara will host the Select XI at the La Bonne Intention Community Centre Ground, while Berbice will face Essequibo at the Police Sports Club.
SCORECARDS: https://cricheroes.com/tournament/1433692/gcb-male-u19-50-overs-inter-county-2025/matches/past-matches
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