Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI) 50-Over Franchise League commenced on Monday (September 17) with impressive performances by some seasoned players. Among those who stood out were out-of-favour Windies duo Christopher Barnwell and Leon Johnson. They both smashed high-temp half centuries for Georgetown in their seven-wicket victory over Upper Corentyne at Everest.
In pursuit of 178 in the reduced 44 overs per-side match, the duo produced a scintillating and unbroken 183-run partnership for the fourth wicket which propelled the city side to their target in 26.4 overs. Barnwell clobbered eight fours and three towering sixes in a shot-filled 83 from 53 while Johnson, played with more tenacity, stroking eight fours and three sixes in his undefeated run-a-ball 70.
The batsmen who took an early walk back to the pavilion were Raymond Perez (1) Quincy Ovid-Richardson (4) and Robin Bacchus (7) which left the defending champions at 32-3. Clinton Pestano who top-scored for his side with 51 took 2-21 and Demetri Cameron 1-28.
Upper Corentyne’s progressed was stymied on the overcast morning with left-arm seamer Andre Stoll (3-28) and off-spinner Ramal Lewis (4-26) snaring seven wickets; young Ashmead Nedd chipped-in with 3-31.
Apart from Pestano whose innings included four fours and two sixes, young opener Alex Algoo stroked an even half-century. Joshua Ramsammy made 35 but the Berbicians lost wickets at crucial intervals which hampered their progress.
Over at the Lusignan Community Centre ground, Kemol Savoury, who is looking to press for a spot in the in national team for the upcoming Super50, was the highlight with 101 (4x4s;3x6s) from 120 balls which laid the platform for Essequibo to defeat West Demerara by 90 runs. Ronsford Beaton was next best with 29, as Richie Looknauth collected 3-39 and Ewert Samuels 2-11
West Demerara, in reply, fell cheaply for just 127 in 38.5 overs. Tevin Imlach top scored with 37. Bowling for Essequibo, Anthony Adams and Ricardo Adams picked up 3-22 and 3-44 runs respectively.
At Enmore, East Coast Demerara defeated East Bank Demerara by 55 runs. East Coast Demerara batted first and managed 182 all out in 46.1 overs. Amir Khan scored 39, Kamesh Yadram (33) and Ramnarine Chatura 18.
Ronaldo Alimohamed took 3-16 and off-spinner Trevon France 3-43. In response, East Bank Demerara were bundled out for 127 in 39.3 overs. Griffith who took 2-34 with the ball, brought the lone fight with and attractive 78- he was lone batsman to reach double figures. Chanderpaul Hemraj snared 3-8, with support from Bhaskar Yadram (3-20), Khan (2-24) and Gajanan Sukhnanan (2-31).
Over at Albion ground, Lower Corentyne won the toss and took first strike in a reduced 36 over match which was due to moisture on the pitch. Lower Corentyne totalled 166 for 7 in the innings. Jonathon Foo top scored with 59 off 57 balls and had support from opening batsmen Jason Sinclair (30) and Junior Sinclair (32).
Bowling for West Berbice, Gudakesh Motie took 3 -23 while Keon Joseph picked up 2 -51.
In reply, West Berbice faltered at the finish line by being bowled for 163. Andrew Dutchin (35) and Kevin Sinclair (30) resisted Kassim Khan (3-27), Foo (3-32) and Kelvin Umora (3-29) but it still was not enough.
Action continues on Wednesday (September 19) with Lower Corentyne facing Essequibo at Albion, Georgetown going up against East bank at Bourda while East Coast will take on West Demerara at Everest and West Berbice battle Upper Corentyne at Port Mourant. All matches are scheduled to start at 09:00h.